Y'all. Either respond (thereby bumping the thread and renewing interest) or (OR!!!) gripe about the topic. I haven't seen this topic (the Ledger Factor) before, so so what if there's another thread on TDK?
Don't make me break out a fourth set of parentheses.
I think Ledger was great in the role, but not irreplaceable. That's right, I said it. He was terrific, and a lot of sad sacks had never before noticed that the guy had chops, but he didn't make it so his own that no one will ever play the role again without paling by comparison. Sorry he's dead, but he didn't do that.
TBH, I was sorrier about the death of Brandon Lee, because he showed in The Crow that he had something that had not been seen before from him - and that was the only taste we'll get. I was sorrier about River Phoenix, who was showing promise of redefining what great, committed acting was. I was very sorry about Heath Ledger, because I've thought he was skilled as hell for a long time, but to suggest his death will mean the end of the Joker? Nah.
Now, if you're saying there will never be another Joker, okay, but if you're saying the Joker will reappear in THIS series, I'm going to say there is no way in hell. First of all, because Ledger did die, and these people -- Nolan, Bale, etc. -- worked with him, loved the work he did, and out of respect for his performance and for him, the Joker won't show up in this particular series of Batman films. I'd bet my life on it.
TBH, I can't even believe that people think any differently. There are special circumstances here. One, the performance is universally praised and may even warrant an Oscar nomination; Two, the man died. Those are indeed special circumstances that hardly ever happen. (I'm also betting that the box office was bumped because of the talk about his performance and the fact that he died.)
Years from now, when they want to ressurect Batman again, you may see another Joker and then we'll have three option "So who was the best Joker?" polls.
BTW, to answer the initial question on this thread, yes, I find it incredibly sad that Ledger isn't here to see all this.