Is This THE DARK KNIGHT'S Nemesis?

First there were the alledged photos from the Chicago shoot a few weeks ago. Then a rumored makeup test shot was making the rounds.

Now, though, it seems like we're getting a real look at Heath Ledger as The Joker in next summer's THE DARK KNIGHT.

If this is the real deal, all I can say is bravo. Forget everything you've seen before. Christopher Nolan is determined to keep his take on the Batman mythos as rooted in the real world as possible and you can forget Nicholson's ridiculous portrayal of the character or – thank god – Caesar Romero's white makeup over his moustache look.

Nope, Nolan's going for sinister and creepy. And that look is definitely on the right path.

Keep checking Batman on Film for the latest scoop on next summer's big Batflick.