Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight

Three months after his tragic and sudden death in New York, Heath Ledger is stealing the spotlight in one of Hollywood's most anticipated blockbusters.

Warner Bros have recently released startling images of Ledger portraying The Joker from the new upcoming Batman movie, The Dark Knight.

In one image from the film, Ledger is dressed in a white nurse's uniform, wielding a gun and wearing a surgical mask. In another, he points a gun directly at the camera, his face painted with The Joker's trademark evil grin in red.

A number of Ledger stills are being used to promote The Dark Knight, which has raised concerns that the film company is cashing in on his death.

Although it’s a Batman movie, the promotion has concentrated heavily on Ledger as the scar-faced villain.

Christian Bale, who is reprising his role as the lead character, Batman, doesn't even appear on the movie's posters - an honour which has also fallen to Ledger, and feature the catch-phrase, "Why so serious?"

Not only does he feature in the promotional posters, Ledger also features heavily in the trailer for the movie, due to hit Australian screens on July 17.

The film's other legendary stars, acting stalwarts Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, hardly get a mention.
Ledger had big shoes to fill by taking on the role of The Joker, made famous by Jack Nicholson.

Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight

Whilst filming, Ledger said the dark psychology of the role had troubled him.
"He's just out of control - no empathy, he's a sociopath, a psychotic, mass-murdering clown," Ledger said, of the character, before his death.

Somewhat bitter-suite, Ledger's role as The Joker has been predicted to be his greatest performance, which has resulted in Oscar nomination talks.

"Heath was an incredible actor and he brought a very, very scary Joker to life," said Batman star, Christian Bale. "Heath shocked us as The Joker and his death shocked all of us."

Veteran Michael Caine has also spoken highly of Ledger's Joker portrayal: "Heath's like the most murderous psychopath you've ever seen on the screen".

The Dark Knight is the last feature film he completed before his death. He was filming Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus days before he died, but wasn't able to finish the film.

Tags: Batman, heath ledger