I don’t think I’m the only one to hope this is just a baseless rumor. The next “Batman” sequel in the new franchise has been languishing since the unexpected death of Heath Ledger. Clearly, the filmmakers couldn’t simply recast the role, so they decided to go in a different direction and explore other Batman villains. And entirely – and quite possibly crappy – direction. Names are being tossed around for the roles of The Riddler (previously played by Jim Carrey is the craptastic “Batman Forever”) and Catwoman (played so brilliantly by Michele Pfeiffer in “Batman Returns”), and some of these names are just mind boggling. Top of the list: washed-up comedian Eddie Murphy as The Riddler. I know!

FUNNYMAN EDDIE MURPHY will play The Riddler in the next Batman movie, The Sun can reveal.

The Beverly Hills Cop star, 47, has been signed up by British director CHRISTOPHER NOLAN to reprise the role played by JIM CARREY in 1995’s Batman Forever.

The surprise move follows speculation linking Pirates of the Caribbean star JOHNNY DEPP to the part.

The film, set for a 2010 release, is being developed under the working title Gotham.

Execs have also signed up rising Transformers star SHIA LABEOUF, 22, to play Robin.

CHRISTIAN BALE will return as Bruce Wayne, while MICHAEL CAINE will again play Bruce’s assistant Alfred.

Meanwhile, Brit RACHEL WEISZ is said to be up for the Catwoman role.

Insiders also revealed to The Sun the flick will end on a cliffhanger over whether Batman survives a blast at Wayne Towers.

Nolan had been tight-lipped about the future of the Batman films after being rocked by the January death of HEATH LEDGER — tipped to receive a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker in Batman Returns.

A film insider said: “Chris wasn’t sure if he wanted to do another movie but as soon as he decided to, he got the wheels in motion.

“Eddie’s a fantastic addition. Everyone’s excited to see what he does as the Riddler.”

[From The Sun]

Please tell me this is all a joke. Aside from being occasionally funny as the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” movies, I can’t think of a single decent movie Eddie Murphy’s been in since “Beverly Hills Cop.” He got some recognition for his role in “Dreamgirls,” but if you know his career, then you know that entire performance was just an extended version of his James Brown impersonation he used to do on SNL. And Shia LaBeouf as Robin? First of all, why does Robin even need to be brought into this new franchise? Robin is the lamest superhero character in the stratosphere. And LaBeouf is one of the most overhyped, overrated young actors in Hollywood. It sounds to me like Christopher Nolan went temporarily insane. Then again, what do I know – I was skeptical of Heath Ledger as The Joker when I first heard about him being cast. Maybe Christopher Nolan is some kind of directorial mad scientist. I guess we’ll have to wait until 2010 to know for sure.

Above: Eddie Murphy on the red carpet at the premiere of Good Luck Chuck last year. He looks about as confused as I was when I read that he was playing the Riddler. Photo credit: Bauergriffin. Below: the new face of Robin? Shia LaBeouf at the premiere of his film “Eagle Eye” earlier this year. Photo credit: WENN.