Joke's on us Batman with a new Joker? "The Dark Knight" producer Chuck Roven says, in response to a question about Heath Ledger, that fans need to differentiate the actor from the role. "On a personal level, Heath was a friend of mine," he says. "But I still think that 'The Dark Knight' is its own thing, and we have to separate them." To the guy who might land that role: Good luck with that!

The final reel A newly beefed-up Taylor Lautner reportedly will keep his role as Jacob Black in the "Twilight" sequel "New Moon," ending the hand-wringing by overwrought fans. ... From zero to 60: Mickey Rourke is suddenly everywhere, currently in talks to play Tony Stark's Russian alter ego Crimson Dynamo in "Iron Man 2." Sam Rockwell's name is being floated to play Stark rival Justin Hammer. Rourke also has joined the cast of "13," a remake of the French thriller "13 Tzameti," alongside Jason Statham, 50 Cent, Ray Winstone and Ben Gazzara. ... Jackie Chan is the new Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" remake, starring Will Smith's son Jaden. ... Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow") is set to direct "Mother Trucker," billed as an update of "Smokey and the Bandit." ... "Arrested Development" producer Mitch Hurwitz claims the plot of the upcoming movie will be "'Valkyrie' meets 'Hotel for Dogs.' " Oddly, that sounds about right. ... Seth Rogen channels Kevin James in "Observe and Report," about a mall security guard. Anna Faris and Ray Liotta co-star. ... Brendan Fraser will be a distraught father seeking help for his children from irascible doctor Harrison Ford in "Crowley," an adaptation of Geeta Anand's "The Cure."

CYNTHIA DICKISON