It was a nice thought – but it looks like rumours of Phillip Seymour Hoffman potentially playing The Penguin have turned out to be exactly that.
When asked of his involvement with the film, the Capote actor said it was simply a persistent rumour – and one that ended up even being believed by actor Michael Caine and top studio execs.
Speaking to MTV news, Hoffman spoke of his bewilderment:
“No one has talked to me about it ever — never,” replied Hoffman. “It happened, like, five years ago, too. It was a rumor back then and it’s still a rumor. It’s just in the press. It’s funny.”
“I’m such a fan of those movies,” Hoffman continued. “Comic book movies in general I look forward to — I am a real cheerleader for them. I want them to do well because those are terrific stories.
“As a kid I was a big comic book collector. What (director Chris Nolan)’s doing is taking it in a whole other exciting great place. I’m more a fan, so the interest of being in it isn’t that great. It’s more the interest in wanting to see the next one. It’s probably better that way.”
When asked if he was interested in taking on the role, Seymour Hoffman said he’d rather take the back seat.
“I don’t know. I think I’m more interested in seeing someone else do it. I don’t know if I’d be a good Penguin to be quite honest.”