When director Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins first released, there was no way filmgoers could anticipate the excitement that 'The Dark Knight' trilogy would generate. In fact, after a spate of disastrous movies on the caped crusader, many people had written off Batman forever. Until 'Batman Begins' released in the US on June 17, 2005 and completely transformed the character and then made history with 'The Dark Knight' in 2008 and 'The Dark Knight Rises' in 2012. On the occasion of Batman Begins' 10-year anniversary, here’s a look at ten facts that you may not know about the series.

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6 Things You Didn't Know About Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy

1.

 'Batman Begins' was originally titled 'Batman: The Frightening'.

2.
 Christian Bale was not the first choice to play Batman. Other actors considered for the role included Joshua Jackson, Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cillian Murphy and a few other actors. Warner Bros wanted Ashton Kutcher to play Bruce Wayne but director Christopher Nolan declined the offer. Jake’s sister Maggie Gyllenhaal eventually got the role of Rachel Dawes in 'The Dark Knight' after Katie Holmes played the role in 'Batman Begins'.

© Warner Bros

6 Things You Didn't Know About Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy

3.

 The Batman reboot was initially offered to the Wachowski brothers and they even wrote a script treatment based upon Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One. However, they passed it on to concentrate on the Matrix sequels.

4.
 Co-writer of the trilogy and director Christopher Nolan’s brother Jonathan Nolan has said that Liam Neeson’s character in 'Batman Begins', Ra’s al Ghul, is based on Osama Bin Laden. Like Osama, Ra’s al Ghul uses terror to heal the world in the film.

© Warner Bros

6 Things You Didn't Know About Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy

5.  Heath Ledger designed the make-up of The Joker himself. He also spent six weeks in a ramshackle hotel to get into character as The Joker.


6. 'The Dark Knight Rises' was originally supposed to be about The Joker standing trial while Two Face goes on a rampage through Gotham city. Heath Ledger’s untimely death changed all that and brought Bane into the picture.
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