(http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?story=1661 )

So the unthinkable has finally happened - Keanu Reeves is in the frame to play Batman in the next series.

In an interview with TV Times, the star revealed what he wanted to see from the caped crusader in Episode 5. 'It'll have to be dark, very sombre. Something that'll make people think twice about whether they're actually watching a Batman film or not...I want to see more about what makes [Batman] tick- Bruce is far more than just your average wacko.

So far, so good. But do Warner Bros really know what they're doing if they're considering a guy who describes Bruce Wayne as 'a serious wealthy dude'?

Either way, Jack Nicholson's job seems safe enough. 'I would have to insist, and I mean most strenuously, that any Batman film I'm involved in would have to have The Joker in it- absolutely. He's the archetypal bad guy, the Bat-nemesis. He's the dude with whom the Bat must battle- he's in the film, or I'm not! And Jack Nicholson has to do it again- definitely.'

Perhaps in preparation for playing the Dark Knight - Keanu's next project, Driven, is similarly dark in theme. 'I'm this guy, who's like a stylish serial killer- homicidal in Armani and shades.' he revealed. 'But I believe that to win audiences sympathy, and character in any story has to make some kind of journey into darkness. And I like stories wher even the most malevolent characters- I mean dudes burning in hell kind of guys- have sides that draw sympathy. Driven is like all of that.'

(http://www.cinescape.com/insider/indexnew.html)

Keanu Talks His 'Batman 5’
Though the Batman movie franchise appears to have been put on the development back burner at Warner Bros., interest remains high among fans of the series. Now, out of the U.K. comes word of what Keanu Reeves would look like see happen with the series should he be given the part... or in order for him to take it.

While talking to the TV Times movie magazine (via Empire magazine), The Matrix star was asked how he would approach the title role in a possible Batman 5. Reeves revealed, "It'll have to be dark, very sombre. Something that'll make people think twice about whether they're actually watching a Batman film or not...I want to see more about what makes [Batman] tick- Bruce is far more than just your average wacko."

Reeves also explains who he would insist battle the caped crusader should he be allowed to wear the bat-suit, saying, "I would have to insist, and I mean most strenuously, that any Batman film I'm involved in would have to have The Joker in it- absolutely. He's the archetypal bad guy, the Bat-nemesis. He's the dude with whom the Bat must battle- he's in the film, or I'm not! And Jack Nicholson has to do it again - definitely."

Okay, is there something in what Reeves is suggesting? Maybe it’s just his wish list, but perhaps there’s something more. Reeves is certainly high profile enough… though probably miscast, in the part. In addition, given the success of The Matrix at Warner Bros. and the studio’s desire to hang on to Reeves, one can’t help but wonder if Reeves statements were intended to elicit some interest from inside. On the other hand, maybe he’s been asked and has put together a scenario that would be impossible to put together to prevent having to take the role.

Maybe he was just kidding around. Time will tell.