The rumors that the late Heath Ledger will be seen as the Joker in “The Dark Knight Rises” are not true. Director Christopher Nolan and his wife producer Emma Thomas both deny that the deceased actor will be involved. Thomas said: “I heard the rumor. We’re not doing that”. Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose in January 2008.

Heath won a posthumous Academy Award (Oscar) for his performance as The Joker in the Dark Knight, but there had been rumours that cut footage from the movie could be used in the new instalment. The director and Thomas have dismissed those claims.

Also, Aaron Eckhart said he won’t be in “Dark Knight Rises”. The actor confirmed he had a meeting with Nolan on the beach and the Director delivered the news to him. “I was heartbroken,” Aaron said of learning that he won’t return as Harvey Dent.

Meanwhile, Nolan has said that “The Dark Knight Rises,” which is due in theaters in July 2012, will be his final Batman movie.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros Pictures.