Ledger is cast to play the Joker

Heath Ledger has been cast as the Joker in director Christopher Nolan's follow-up to "Batman Begins." Warner Bros. confirmed the casting Monday, along with the name of the upcoming movie: "The Dark Knight."

Rumors of Ledger's casting had circulated during the recent Comic-Con International convention in San Diego after a posting on LatinoReview.com.

Shooting is expected to begin early next year, with Christian Bale returning as Bruce Wayne/Batman.