Here's to the casting directors

When casting director John Papsidera commenced work on Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" in 2006, he knew that filling the role of the Joker would be among his biggest challenges. After all, no less an actor than Jack Nicholson had played the part in Tim Burton's 1989 " Batman," an indelible portrayal that could scare away big-name and up-and-coming thespians alike. But considering Nolan's distinctive vision for the role, it quickly became clear to Papsidera that he was not looking for an actor who could reinterpret Nicholson.

By Christy Grosz

January 7, 2009