Heath Ledger was planning to return as the Joker in The Dark Knight Rises before his death, say family

The details surrounding Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker may have evolved as film legend, but the actor apparently had plans to reprise the role in a future film.

Ledger passed away in January 2008 at the age of 28 half a year before the release of Christopher Nolan's sequel The Dark Knight leaving many wondering how the director would deal with the villain's fate in the finished film. As those who have seen the film know, the Joker lives with Nolan seemingly hopeful he would bring the character back in trilogy closer The Dark Knight Rises.

Whether Ledger would have returned has not been officially known, however, a resurfaced interview with the actor's sister for news.com.au suggests he was ready to sign on the dotted line.

Speaking ahead of the release of the documentary I Am Heath Ledger in 2017, Kate Ledger said: “He was so proud of what he had done in Batman. And I know he had plans for another.

The actor's sister has continually refuted claims the role had anything to do with her brother's death, adding: “I spoke to him the night before (he died) and we were laughing and joking. He loved working with Chris Nolan and Christian Bale and Gary Oldman. He just had the best time ever doing that film.

“When he came home at Christmas he couldn’t wait to tell us all about it and he was doing the voice and laughing, showing me all the rushes. We had a great time."

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Nolan went on to completely omit any mention of the Joker from his final Batman film in respect to Ledger who won a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the role.