Casting Slip Almost Spoiled Nolan’s Batman Twist
In the run-up to Batman Begins, a casting note briefly hinted at a pivotal plot turn. Reporters previously named Liam Neeson as a key antagonist, a reveal that sent fans buzzing before the studio countered the claim.
The misstep originated in a 2004 Variety post that seemed to confirm Neeson’s Ra’s al Ghul gig. Warner Bros. quickly pulled the statement, and the piece was pulled from Variety’s site, though copies lingered elsewhere. A subsequent update clarified that Neeson would actually play Ducard, while Ken Watanabe would surface as a decoy for Ra’s al Ghul in the film.
Ultimately, the twist remained intact, preserving the surprise for audiences when Batman Begins hit theaters.
Source: Original article
