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Rumors are rampant that Christoper Nolan and company have already decided to follow up their wildly successful "Dark Knight" with another installment in the Batman series. Much of this speculation has focused on what actor will portray the Riddler -- a role Jim Carrey performed to disappointing reviews in "Batman Forever" back in 1995. So far, Johnny Depp's been the most discussed for the role, but today a British tabloid reported that Eddie Murphy has signed up to play the question man in the film that has yet to be officially announced.

Is this a good choice? Or has this whole rumor mill got you completely puzzled? After the jump see the pros and cons of putting each A-lister in green tights.


Johnny Depp

Pro: Part of what has made Christopher Nolan's vision of Batman so successful is that he has returned the franchise to the gloomy place director Tim Burton had taken it. Of course, Depp -- with his dark brooding and eyeliner -- is the ultimate Burton actor, and it seems fit that the former teen heartthrob play a part in the Batman universe. Furthermore, any doubts that Depp could excel at light comedy without sacrificing his dramatic integrity are quelled by the three billion dollars spent on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.

Drawback: The problem of playing one costumed misfit after another is that the characters start to run together. The Riddler is very different from Jack Sparrow, Sweeney Todd or Edward Scissorhands. But will the audience (or Mr. Depp) notice?

Eddie Murphy

Pro: Before the inane goofiness that has marred his later career, Murphy was the go-to guy whenever Hollywood needed a skinny, subversive smart aleck. So yeah, it's really the old Eddie Murphy who would be perfect to play the Riddler. And the world needs the old Eddie Murphy back -- there is no reason why the role of the Riddler wouldn't deliver him.

Drawback: Actually there is a reason -- the last time Murphy played a comic book type we were subjected to the abomination that was "The Adventures of Pluto Nash."

We challenge you to riddle us with even better choices than Depp or Murphy. Let us know in the comments.