The British newspaper The Sun reports that actor and comedian Eddie Murphy has signed on to play the Riddler in the next installment of the Batman franchise. While Christian Bale is confirmed for the title role, parts for new characters are up for grabs. Other casting rumors include Rachel Weisz as Catwoman and Shia Labeouf as Bruce Wayne's ward Robin.

On December 18, 2008, Warner Brothers studio head Alan Horn stated the rumor was false. Murphy has not committed to to the part. Horn went on to tell the website Collider, that the script is not complete and no further casting will be done before a final script is greenlitMSNBC: Eddie Murphy Won't be Playing The Riddler (December 18, 2008)

"The story is everything. We’ve been talking to (director) Chris Nolan and what we have to do is get him in the right place and have him tell us what he thinks the notion might be for a great story, but Chris did a great job and we’d love to have him come back and do another one… we are going to be respectful of his timing and we want to get it right."—MSNBC: Eddie Murphy won't be playing The Riddle (December 18, 2008)

"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."—Film insider quoted by The GlobeThe Sun: Eddie is Riddler in New Batman (December 18, 2008)