Curse of the Dark Knight

You can't turn on the news or read anything on the internet the past few weeks without seeing an article about Christopher Nolan's brilliant new Batman film The Dark Knight. There's a good reason for this. The film is deliciously dark, psychotic, and enthralling all at the same time. Heath Ledger's portrayal as the Joker is destined to become legendary among the pantheon of great Hollywood performances. But is The Dark Knight cursed? Since production started on the film, actors and workers have had a string of bad luck.

On September 25, 2007 TMZ reported that a special effects technician died during production of the new Batman sequel. This happened when a camera truck crashed into a tree during a practice run of an action scene. Accidents do occasionally happen on set, and some of them even become the stuff of legend, like the supposed "munchkin" hanging himself in the background of The Wizard of Oz. A horrific tragedy to be sure, but at this point The Dark Knight didn't seem to be too out of the ordinary at this point.

Heath Ledger Dies

Then, in January 2008, young actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment. His portrayal of the Joker had been exciting many fans online for months as video clips just started to emerge. Fans were enthralled by Ledger's eerie performance in movie clips and trailers and were shocked when his death was announced to the world. His death - an overdose of prescription pain and insomnia medications - was pronounced accidental. But, for a brief time there was speculation that his role as the Joker killed him. When such sensationalism subsided The Dark Knight transcended being a mere movie. Now it would be a tribute to one of the best up-and-coming actors of the age. Interest skyrocketed.

On July 18th, The Dark Knight finally appeared in American theaters. When the Joker first revealed himself to a room of mobsters, a collective chill ran down the spines of sell-out audiences all over the world. Ledger's exemplary performance aside, the sequel to Batman Begins was an amazing film on its own. Breaking box office records, The Dark Knight is destined for greatness.

Christian Bale Arrested for Assault

And then star Christian Bale, who plays Batman and Bruce Wayne, was arrested in a bizarre twist of events. Accused by his mother and sister of assault in a London hotel, Bale was arrested the day after attending the premiere of his new movie. He was released on bail and denies the assault charges. To date, no further details have been released.

Morgan Freeman In Car Accident

Almost without mercy the curse of The Dark Knight continues. August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was in a terrible car accident where rescuers had to use the jaws of life to rescue him. He is in serious condition, but was said to be joking at the site of the accident.

At this point, the actors and makers of the newest installment in the Batman series might be asking themselves: Who is next?

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