Heath Ledger is set to play The Joker in the Batman Begins sequel. The Australian actor was apparently officially offered the much sought after role on Wednesday. Website Latino Review revealed the news, their site reads: "We were first to tell the world that Brandon Routh was going to be the new Superman. Now here we are at it again as we just got word from a very trusted source that the offer was officially made to Heath Ledger to star as The Joker in the Batman Begins sequel!"

The Brokeback Mountain star is the latest in a long line of respected actors to be linked to the role. Robin Williams was reportedly desperate to land the part, British actor Paul Bettany was said to be in "talks" and Reservoir Dogs star Steve Buscemi was also rumored to be on the shortlist.

The film is due to be released in 2008 and the Joker - played by Jack Nicholson in the original Batman movie in 1989 - will feature as the main villain.

Screenwriter David Goyer revealed: "Batman will enlist the aid of Police Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Dent in bringing down the Joker... but not killing him. In the third movie, the Joker would go on trial scarring Dent in the process."

If Ledger accepts the part, he will join Christian Bale - who plays the Caped Crusader - Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, who are all reprising their roles.

- Heath Ledger pictures