In 2008, The Dark Knight changed the landscape of superhero movies forever, but 16 years on, it’s important to reflect on the lives and careers of the films’ stars. While Christopher Nolan’s superhero sequel preceded the DCEU by a few years, it arrived just months after Iron Man kicked off the MCU. And, despite being among the only sequels ever directed by Nolan, The Dark Knight far outshone its predecessor, Batman Begins.
The movie was a triumph for superhero films, but also just as a standalone work of art. The movie even managed to win two Oscars, with six further nominations, a feat which is ridiculously rare among movies in the superhero genre. The film’s success was also due in no small part to the incredible talents who made it possible, especially Heath Ledger, whose performance as the Joker posthumously won the actor his first and only Oscar. But today, much of the cast have set out on new adventures and maintain a healthy career in acting.
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10 Christian Bale Starred As Bruce Wayne/Batman
Christian Bale Is Still Starring In Hollywood Movies
Christian Bale starred in all three of the Nolan Dark Knight films as the titular hero. While his performance as Gotham’s Dark Avenger is frequently praised, it did not earn him the kind of acclaim he got for other films which he has since starred in, but it did put him firmly on the A-list in Hollywood. The actor, born in Wales, has enjoyed great success throughout his career, winning an Oscar in 2011 for his role in The Fighter, and earning four further nominations in the years that followed.
Bale is selective in his approach to films, and as such, he is careful about the types of roles which he chooses and the impact that they will have on his life and family. However, he has recently completed shooting on an upcoming film which was directed and written by his Dark Knight co-star, Maggie Gyllenhaal. Bale will be appearing in the role of Frankenstein’s Monster in The Bride in 2025.
9 Heath Ledger Played The Joker
Heath Ledger Passed Away In Early 2008 Before The Dark Knight Came Out
Heath Ledger was already a sensational actor who starred in several beloved films across a variety of genres, but his performance as the Joker redefined the role and the character for anyone who came before or since. Ledger embodied the anarchistic clown who ruthlessly seeks to tear Gotham down, and instantly became renowned for his performance.
However, due to health issues, Ledger needed a variety of medication. Unfortunately, Ledger passed away in January 2008, several months before The Dark Knight would be released in theaters. He remains a part of the legacy of Batman, and one of the all-time greatest actors to tackle the role of Batman’s greatest rival. Ledger’s legacy also lives on through his daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger.
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8 Michael Caine Played Alfred Pennyworth
Michael Caine Retired From Acting In 2023
Michael Caine is one of the most iconic and beloved actors of all time, with a career that spans back to 1946. Caine rose to great heights as a star in Hollywood throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, and he maintained his career in acting up until 2023. He appeared in all three Nolan Batman films as Batman’s faithful butler, and dear friend, Alfred Pennyworth.
Over the last several years, Caine has been steadily winding down his career, as he has taken on considerably fewer roles than in previous years. However, his last appearance on the big screen was in 2023, when he starred in the British film, The Great Escaper, opposite Glenda Jackson. While Jackson passed away in the months before the film was released, Caine continues to be in good health at 91, but he has retired from his time in front of the camera.
7 Aaron Eckhart Played Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Aaron Eckhart Has An Active Career In Acting
Aaron Eckhart delivered an incredibly compelling performance when he appeared as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight. Initially, Dent appears to be Gotham’s new savior, fighting crime without a mask, and upholding the legal system for good in the face of crooked and corrupt people in every branch of government of the decaying city. But, as the film progresses, Eckhart completely alters course, as Dent becomes the cold-hearted Two-Face. This versatility proved the actors talents, which he continues to put to good use.
Eckhart may be getting older, but he has also taken to become an action movie hero, somewhat similar to Keanu Reeves tackling the role of John Wick just as he was turning 50. Eckhart has even starred in a movie which has a similar plot involving a skilled detective whose dog is killed, and he goes on a warpath for revenge. Eckhart is currently set to star in several action pictures coming out in 2024 and beyond, and he generally favors action over other genres.
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6 Maggie Gyllenhaal Played Rachel Dawes
Maggie Gyllenhaal Is Currently Focusing On Her Work As A Director And Producer
Maggie Gyllenhaal starred as the romantic interest for both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, where things became fairly complicated for the love triangle. As an actress, Gyllenhaal has always excelled at imbuing emotion and strength into her characters, and that is exactly what she did with Rachel in The Dark Knight, despite her passing away in the film’s third act. However, Gyllenhaal has been on hiatus from on-screen roles since 2020.
Her last role was as a TV reporter in the movie, Best Summer Ever, before Gyllenhaal appeared to step back from the spotlight. Despite this, it hasn’t stopped her getting involved in new and exciting ways that challenge her creatively and build on her former experience. As mentioned above, Gyllenhaal is currently writing and directing The Bride, a film inspired by the Bride of Frankenstein movie from 1935, which was in turn adapted from the Mary Shelley novel, Frankenstein.
5 Gary Oldman Played Commissioner James Gordon
Gary Oldman Continues To Act In TV, Films, & Video Games
Gary Oldman is a brilliant actor who has appeared in over 100 projects since his acting career began in 1982. Within the world of Nolan’s Batman, Oldman played Commissioner Gordon, a friend of the vigilante within the Gotham City Police Department who remains staunchly opposed to corruption and greed that most of the GCPD indulge in. His role is fairly small, but anytime the actor appears on-screen, his presence is felt.
Oldman continues to thrive in the entertainment space as he is currently starring in the Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses, which is set to enter its fifth season, he has major roles in multiple upcoming video games as a voice actor, and he is developing a film which he is set to write and direct, Flying Horse. Oldman has also appeared in several major films over the last few years, including Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, where he played President Harry Truman.
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4 Morgan Freeman Played Lucius Fox
Morgan Freeman Is Still Acting At 87 Years Old
Morgan Freeman plays close friend and ally to Bruce Wayne, Lucius Fox in The Dark Knight. The character is an extremely competent and practical innovator, who helps to build the legendary equipment and vehicles used by the Caped Crusader. In addition, Fox is placed as the head of Wayne Enterprises in order to free up Bruce from his obligations and allow him to focus on his vigilante efforts instead.
Despite being 87 years old, Freeman is still actively working in film and TV. At present, he is currently working on three separate films, Now You See Me 3, The Little Bedroom, and Hate to See You Go. Despite his advanced age, Freeman continues to keep an active schedule, and could have many happy years of acting still ahead of him.
3 Cillian Murphy Played Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow
Cillian Murphy Just Won An Oscar For Starring In Oppenheimer
Cillian Murphy appeared as one of the primary antagonists in Batman Begins, and returned briefly for The Dark Knight. He is also one of Christopher Nolan’s most frequent collaborators, having appeared in several movies by the legendary director, but primarily in small or supporting roles. However, in 2023, Murphy starred in the outrageously succesful Oppenheimer, a film which won no less than seven Oscars despite tough competition.
Murphy also won his first Oscar for his leading performance in Oppenheimer, which serves to validate the extraordinary career and skills of a man who has consistently delivered outstanding work. Murphy is set to appear in several films in the coming years, including a long awaited sequel to the 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later, and a Peaky Blinders film which will conclude the story from the TV series.
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2 Eric Roberts Played Salvatore “The Boss” Maroni
Eric Roberts Is One Of The Most Prolific Actors Working Today
Eric Roberts may have a relatively minor role as Sal Maroni in The Dark Knight, but he delivers an outstanding performance nonetheless. As a known crime boss, and a figure who commands respect, Maroni is put on the back foot when he faces the Batman. The scene is integral in establishing the level of threat that the Joker presents in the movie, and Roberts plays his part perfectly.
However, his work in the entertainment industry in even more impressive, with the actor racking up an astonishing nearly 750 credits to his name. Roberts has appeared in many of the most popular TV shows and big Hollywood movies of the last three decades, and he is currently working on several dozen more titles to add to his filmography. Overall, his ability to juggle so many roles is astonishing.
1 Nestor Carbonell Played Mayor Anthony Garcia
Nestor Carbonell Continues To Act In Film & TV
Nestor Carbonell plays the Mayor of Gotham in both The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Unlike most of Gotham’s officials, Mayor Garcia is one of the good ones who aids people like Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Dent before he becomes Two-Face. He is also instrumental in promoting Gordon to the office of Commissioner, and putting Gotham on a path towards becoming a safer place to live.
Carbonell is a popular actor who has had major roles in several TV shows, including Lost, Bates Motel, and The Morning Show. He continues to have a healthy career with several films and TV shows slated to release in the coming years. Just like many of the other members of the cast from The Dark Knight, Carbonell continues to see success in his work beyond the franchise.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Release Date October 4, 2024
- Superman (2025)
Release Date July 11, 2025
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Release Date June 26, 2026
- The Batman Part II
Release Date October 2, 2026
Joker: Folie a Deux
Superman (2025)
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
The Batman Part II
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Category: Entertainment