Eddie Murphy to play the role of 'The Riddler' in the new Batman movie

Eddie Murphy is reported to be joining the cast for the follow up to The Dark Knight.

The actor, 47, will take on the role of villain The Riddler in the new Batman movie, landing the part ahead of hotly tipped favourite Johnny Depp, 45.

‘Eddie’s a fantastic addition,’ a source tells The Sun. ‘Everyone’s excited to see what he does.’

Jim Carrey, 46, previously played the role in 1995 flick Batman Forever.

Bosses are also thought to have hired Shia LaBeouf, 22, to play sidekick Robin, while Rachel Weisz, 38, is a frontrunner for the Catwoman role.

The sequel, tentatively titled Gotham, is due for release in 2010.

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