Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide in November 2025, according to a post-mortem brain tissue analysis performed by the Concussion & CTE Foundation.

“Unfortunately, I was not surprised to find CTE in the brain of Mr. Kneeland, because we have found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we’ve studied who have died before the age of 30,” Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, said in a release on Tuesday, July 7.

She continued, “Thanks to the generosity of our brain donor families, we now better understand the earliest stages of CTE, and it is bringing us closer than ever to diagnosing it during life. My team and I are fully dedicated to finding effective treatments and a cure for CTE.”

Kneeland died at age 24 on November 6, 2025, following a pursuit with state troopers who had tried to pull him over for a traffic violation. Authorities initially lost Kneeland’s car, before finding it crashed and abandoned. He was later discovered near the area dead of an apparent suicide.

Related: Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland Sent Goodbye Texts to Family Before Death: Report

Dispatch audio painted a tragic picture of the final moments of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s life. Kneeland sent a group text to his family “saying goodbye,” according to audio obtained by TMZ Sports on Thursday, November 6.  “We’re talking to his girlfriend,” a 911 dispatcher said. “She’s trying to call his agent. We’re […]

Kneeland began playing tackle football at age 7, eventually enrolling at Western Michigan University, where he played four seasons. The Cowboys drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

CTE can only be diagnosed by observing the brain tissue of a patient who has died. Stage 1 is the lowest level on a scale of 1 to 4.

Even with Kneeland playing in the NFL at the height of its modern safety precautions, Concussion & CTE Foundation CEO Chris Nowinski said his death is a reminder that the current protocol is not enough.

“We have no reason to believe the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations,” he said. “Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions. If we want to reduce CTE risk, we must implement CTE prevention protocols and aggressively reduce the number and strength of head impacts at every level of the game.”

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Related: Cowboys Make Emotional Return to the Field After Marshawn Kneeland’s Death

The Dallas Cowboys returned to action with heavy hearts following the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. It was an emotional scene as the Cowboys hit the field at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, November 17, Dallas’ first game since Kneeland died of an apparent suicide on November […]

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Kneeland’s family released a statement about the findings through his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera. (In June, Mancera gave birth to her and Kneeland’s first child, a son named Makhai.)

“While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his passing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing,” the statement read. “We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high contact sport athletes might be struggling with. Raising awareness is important to us. We continue to remember Marshawn with compassion for the person he was, rather than defining him by the final moments of his life.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

By Jacob VanGundy
| Published 31 seconds ago

I recently rewatched Hellraiser, one of the best horror movies of the 1980s, and I was struck by how much it resembles a vampire story. Aesthetically, thematically, and even in terms of plot, the story has more in common with Dracula than the supernatural slashers of the era. While elements centered around the Cenobites dominated the sequels, the original movie is more interested in exploring the vampiric antagonist, Frank.

Released in 1987, Hellraiser was written and directed by Clive Barker, who had adapted his novella, The Hellbound Heart. It made $14.6 million at the US box office ($30 million worldwide) on a budget of only $1 million and became a hit with horror fans, though it faced heavy censorship and a ban in Ontario. The movie was so successful it spawned nine sequels and a reboot. 

The Dracula Parallels

Hellraiser begins with the hedonist Frank Cotton using a puzzle box to summon Cenobites, a group of sadomasochistic extradimensional beings who torture him to death and take his soul to their dimension. When Frank’s brother Larry cuts himself in the attic where Frank died, it resurrects him as a skinless monster. Larry’s wife Julia is seduced into luring victims to Frank, who, now a vampire, needs the blood to restore himself. 

While the movie’s heroine, Kirstie, solves the puzzle box and is tormented by Cenobites for it, Frank is the clear antagonist. In his new vampire form, Frank requires the blood of multiple victims, becoming increasingly human in appearance as he feeds on the men Julia seduces and brings to him. He also attempts to seduce and murder Kirstie, making a much more explicit villain than the more mysterious Cenobites. 

Frank’s need to feed on blood is the most obvious way Hellraiser is a vampire story, but his entire character resembles Dracula. His origin, making a deal with demonic beings, is a common origin for the character and similar to the implied origin in Bram Stoker’s novel. The fact that he was resurrected from death by human blood also fits within the mythology. 

Hellraiser’s setting is also reminiscent of classic vampiric folklore. Taking place in a grand but dilapidated family home is similar to the decrepit mansions and castles common in vampire stories. The fact that Frank is confined to the attic of that home by his appearance takes the place of hiding in a crypt to avoid sunlight. 

Thematically, Hellraiser explores ideas that frequently appear in vampire stories. Hedonism, sexual taboos, and corruption are all central themes of the movie that can be found in everything from Interview With the Vampire to Carmilla. Solving the puzzle box also connects to the idea of forbidden knowledge, which is often a central piece of Dracula’s mythology. 

The seductive element of Frank’s character is another central connection to vampire lore, with Julia being Hellraiser’s version of Dracula’s bride. While Frank doesn’t directly turn Julia into a monster, he does lead her to behave monstrously, helping him murder multiple men, including her husband. The sequel would double down on this by making her a central antagonist after her own resurrection. 

Hellraiser Is Misunderstood

Hellraiser has more than earned its place in the pantheon of great horror movies, but it’s also largely misunderstood by those who haven’t seen it as a movie about Pinhead as a supernatural slasher. The movie is much more at home within the vampire genre than the broader oeuvre of 80s horror. Fans of horror, particularly fans of vampire stories, should watch Hellraiser, which is available to stream for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and Amazon Prime Video.

By Jacob VanGundy
| Published 7 seconds ago

Operation Mincemeat is a spy thriller based on a true British intelligence operation from World War II. While the spy story is fascinating, and there was enough suspense to keep me watching, the movie is bogged down with unnecessary interpersonal drama. The result is an uneven, disappointing movie that doesn’t live up to its premise. 

Based on Ben Macintyre’s book about the historical event, Operation Mincemeat is about a misdirection mission by British intelligence. To hide the Invasion of Sicily, a plot is hatched by British intelligence officers Ewen Montagu and Charles Cholmondeley to plant false information on a corpse and have it wash ashore.

To sell the fake soldier’s identity, a detailed backstory was constructed including a fictional fiance using a photo of the office’s secretary Jean Leslie. 

The Period Drama Overshadows The Spy Intrigue

Operation Mincemeat brings together a fantastic cast of UK actors, who deliver great performances across the board. Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, and Kelly Macdonald play the movie’s three leads, making their characters feel real. The supporting cast also features great actors like Penelope Wilton, Johnny Flynn, Jason Issacs, Mark Gatiss, Paul Ritter, and Simon Russell Beale.

While I found the depiction of spycraft in Operation Mincemeat compelling it was weighed down with superfluous period drama elements. Much of the film’s runtime is dedicated to the love triangle between its three main characters, which adds a layer of unneeded personal drama that actively distracts from the spy mission’s inherent tension.

It’s the sort of tacked-on plotline that feels like it exists to meet period drama expectations, and I was unsurprised to learn it was invented whole cloth for the movie. 

The Spycraft Is More Interesting

Some of the most interesting spy thriller moments of Operation Mincemeat are glossed over to dedicate more time to its boring love triangle. Numerous scenes depict the budding relationship between Ewen and Jean, while the head of Germany’s army intelligence discovering the plot and turning a blind eye to undermine the Nazi regime is given a single truncated scene.

As a fan of spy thrillers, I can’t help but feel like the movie prioritizes the wrong elements of its plot.

The pacing in Operation Mincemeat also suffers due to its love triangle. What should be a consistently suspenseful movie grinds to a halt halfway through to focus on the romantic subplot and the hostility it creates between Ewen and Charles. With a runtime of 128 minutes, it drags on for too long, drawing attention to its unneeded subplot.

Despite its shortcomings, Operation Mincemeat has a strong story at its core and it tells that story well when its focus isn’t divided. It’s at its best when it depicts the finer details of the operation and the construction of the soldier’s fictional life. With strong acting and directing, it’s well-made even when the writing falls short. 

Fans of period dramas who also enjoy spy stories will likely enjoy Operation Mincemeat, while fans looking for a spy thriller like I was may find it disappointing. It’s a well-made movie bogged down by a single poor creative decision. You can watch the film version of one of history’s most fascinating spy stories for yourself on Netflix.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT SCORE

Rumors surrounding Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot continue to heat up, and the latest name reportedly being considered for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the biggest stars in music today: Sabrina Carpenter.

According to multiple entertainment insiders, Marvel Studios is interested in bringing Carpenter into the MCU for a major role. While nothing has been officially confirmed by Marvel, the report has quickly sparked speculation among fans about which iconic mutant she could portray.

The strongest rumor currently points toward Emma Frost, the powerful telepath known as the White Queen. The character has long been a fan favorite in the comics thanks to her sharp wit, commanding personality, and ability to transform her body into organic diamond. Other fans have thrown out names like Dazzler, whose music career and mutant powers have made her one of the most recognizable pop-star superheroes in Marvel history.

Emma Frost [Marvel]

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Marvel Studios has yet to reveal any official casting for its upcoming X-Men reboot, leaving the internet to speculate about nearly every major mutant role. Recent reports have connected numerous actors to characters like Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, and Professor X, though none of those rumors have been confirmed by the studio.

Carpenter’s star power has skyrocketed over the past year following the massive success of her music career and sold-out tours, making her one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising entertainers. If Marvel is indeed looking to add another globally recognizable name to its next generation of mutants, she would certainly fit that strategy.

Still, fans should treat the report with caution. Marvel Studios is famously secretive, and casting discussions often change before contracts are ever signed. Until Kevin Feige or the studio makes an official announcement, Carpenter’s involvement remains firmly in the rumor category.

With Marvel’s X-Men reboot still in development, speculation is only expected to intensify in the coming months. Whether Carpenter ultimately joins the MCU as Emma Frost, Dazzler, another mutant entirely, or not at all, one thing is certain—fans are already imagining what the next generation of Marvel’s mutants could look like.

What do you think? If Sabrina Carpenter joins the MCU, which Marvel character would you like to see her play?

TV shows have changed through the decades, and what was once considered acceptable in some cases would never fly today. Whether it’s the handling of women, LGBTQ+ characters, racism, domestic violence, or other themes, some shows approached topics in a way that would be handled very differently today or not covered at all.

Some of the shows are sitcoms that presented troubling storylines in a humorous way, and in some cases, it fit for the times. In others, they were controversial even back then. In hindsight, all of them maybe went a little too far. The shows remain beloved, and the storylines are accepted for what they were intended to accomplish at the time. But if any of these shows were written today, there would probably be a lot of red pen, changing certain aspects of the scripts and even characters.

1

Barney Relentlessly Preying on Women

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Image via CBS

Barney’s (Neil Patrick Harris) relentless preying on women throughout the entirety of How I Met Your Mother (until he fell in love with and married Robin, played by Cobie Smulders) only managed to pass because of Harris’ over-the-top performance and the way his actions were woven into the plot. But it likely wouldn’t happen today, especially not as it did in some episodes.

Barney lied to and took advantage of women over and over again, painting them as gullible and dispensable. In one very questionable episode, it’s even revealed that he had a hidden scale at his door where he weighed women before they entered and denied entry if they exceeded a threshold. It bordered on disgusting at times, yet went overlooked because the character’s charm overshadowed the awful things he did and said. The exaggerated level of absurdity helped, too.

2

Jack Lying About Being Gay

‘Three’s Company’ (1977–1984)

Image via ABC

The entire premise of Three’s Company would never fly today. Jack Tripper (John Ritter) is a single playboy who lies about being gay to score an apartment with two women. Knowing the landlord would never allow a man to live with two single women if he were straight, Jack keeps up this ruse so he won’t be kicked out.

Aside from a landlord being able to deny such a living situation, Jack pretending to be someone he’s not and “playing up” being gay so he isn’t caught is not a storyline that would work today. Back in the ’70s, however, it was fitting of the time. And while the sitcom is still beloved and never considered offensive, it wouldn’t be remade in today’s climate.

3

Two Guys Dressing in Drag for an Apartment

‘Bosom Buddies’ (1980–1982)

Image via ABC

Bosom Buddies helped put Tom Hanks on the map long before his thriving film career began. It remains his most memorable small-screen experience, but fans today can’t help but question the angling of the show. It’s about Kip Wilson (Hanks) and his friend Henry Desmond (Peter Scolari), who dress in drag so they can get into an all-female building because the rent is dirt cheap.

The pair pretend to be women while befriending other residents and trying to keep up the act. Some find it insulting to the trans community; others believe it’s predatory, as these two men infiltrate a building meant to be only for women. It’s all in fun, of course, but Bosom Buddies isn’t a concept that would air today without pushback, the classic show having aged poorly.

4

Sam Propositioning Female Staff

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

Image via NBC

Sam Malone’s (Ted Danson) womanizing ways aren’t in question in Cheers. There’s nothing wrong with a single man looking to date women and dating around if he so chooses and the women are willing participants, but his constant propositioning of female staff who work for him at the bar is wildly inappropriate.

One of the most notable relationships is when he constantly hits on Diane (Shelley Long) when she’s a waitress, and he’s her boss. He later pursues the bar’s new manager, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). Sam is never portrayed as being predatory but rather sex-addicted, smooth, and charming, which is why his actions often slide unnoticed. But the idea of a male boss so casually and constantly hitting on his female subordinates probably would not see the light of day today in a comedic show unless it was part of a darker storyline.

5

Jerry Drugging a Woman

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Image via NBC

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There’s one particular storyline in Seinfeld that doesn’t sit well. In Season 9, Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) is dating a woman who has a rare, vintage toy collection. But she is very particular about it and doesn’t want anyone touching the items. From the original G.I. Joe to the classic Mattel football game, it reminds Jerry so fondly of his childhood that he can’t help himself. So, he gets around her rules by offering her aspirin when she has a headache, knowing it will make her drowsy. She passes out, and he proceeds to play with the toys. When she awakens, he purposely introduces a heavy turkey dinner and boxed wine in hopes she’ll fall asleep again so he can continue.

It’s crystal-clear why this storyline in one of Seinfeld‘s most awkward episodes is so wrong. Even though Jerry didn’t do any physical harm to the woman through his actions, he still purposely put this woman in a vulnerable state so he could take advantage of her in a different way. The storyline is funny when you look at it through the absurd humor lens from which it was intended, but it’s widely considered to be one of the darkest things Jerry did throughout the show’s entire run.

6

Archie Bunker’s Racism

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Image via CBS

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All in the Family was a sitcom true to its time, with Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) a character true to his fictional backstory. He was a World War II veteran who held onto his bigoted beliefs, even though he was presented as a lovable character. His family members, especially his daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) and son-in-law Michael (Rob Reiner), are members of the counterculture, being the voice of reason when Archie would say or do things that were questionable.

Still, a character like him, especially often given the mistreatment of his wife (though he clearly loved her dearly), would be frowned upon today. While the show did shed light on racism and presented characters to help soften Archie’s views, including the Jefferson family that went on to star in their own spin-off, it would still be considered too much today.

7

Al’s Insults to Overweight Women

‘Married…With Children’ (1987–1997)

Image via Fox

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Alongside his constant ribbing of neighbor Marcy (Amanda Bearse), there was a running gag on Married…With Children that involved Al Bundy (Ed O’Neill) constantly poking fun at overweight women. They were often customers in the shoe store where he worked, desperately trying to fit their large feet into shoes that were clearly a few sizes too small.

Al would whisper an insult under his breath, say it straight to their face, and even hurl another clever one as they angrily stormed out the door. It’s a wonder he was still employed! That aside, the concept of someone being ridiculed for their weight in such a biting way for the sake of laughs, especially without someone else advocating for them, wouldn’t cut it now.

8

Ralph Joking About Hitting Alice

‘The Honeymooners’ (1955–1956)

Image via CBS

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The Honeymooners is one of the funniest, most iconic sitcoms of all time, but one of its running jokes wouldn’t sit well with people today. Ralph (Jackie Gleason) and his wife Alice (Pert Kelton, Audrey Meadows, Sheila MacRae) had a typical marital relationship. But when they had arguments or Ralph was upset about something, he would often joke about hitting her. He never followed through with such an action, but the mere threat, even in jest, would never be seen in a comedy like that today unless it was meant to be part of a storyline specifically to address it.

“One of these days,” Ralph would declare, “Pow! Right in the kisser!” referencing punching his wife in the face. He would also say things like “Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!” These phrases were taken as they were meant to be at the time, a man saying words he didn’t actually mean and expressing his anger in a joking manner. But today’s culture would not find this funny in a modern sitcom.

9

The Fat Jokes About Carol

‘Growing Pains’ (1985–1992)

Image via ABC

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This one is especially powerful because the constant weight-related jokes about Carol Seaver (Tracey Gold) in Growing Pains, especially when she was nowhere near being overweight, reportedly led to Gold developing an eating disorder. Gold told late actor Shannen Doherty on her Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty podcast back in 2025 that, while she had great memories from working on the show — one of the best sitcoms of the ’80s — her struggles with anorexia were fueled in part by some of her experiences there.

As she gained weight, the jokes written into the show became meaner, Gold recalls. Though the writers reportedly claimed the intention was to reflect the realities of a typical brother-sister relationship and wasn’t a jab at her figure at all, this didn’t make it right. Considering Gold’s honest words about how this made her feel, it’s a given that such lines would not be written into shows nowadays.

10

Pacey Sleeping With His Teacher

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)

Image via The WB

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Dawson’s Creek was a teen drama that wasn’t afraid to get dark and gritty, but there’s one storyline that was a step too far. In Season 1, Pacey (Joshua Jackson) sleeps with his English teacher in a storyline that even caused controversy back then. He not only sleeps with her, but he loses his virginity to her while just a teenager. When the school and community find out about it, she leaves town.

The storyline is further disturbing because the teacher isn’t even seriously reprimanded for her actions. Pacey was groomed and taken advantage of by this grown woman, behavior that would absolutely be considered predatory, yet was presented as a romantic storyline. Unless it’s a dark and dramatic show like Euphoria meant to highlight how wrong such behavior is, this storyline was too much for a show like Dawson’s Creek. It wouldn’t be handled the same way if it were replicated in a similar show today.

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Dawson’s Creek

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Release Date

1998-00-00 – 2003-00-00

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Network

The WB

Directors

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Greg Berlanti

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Footage has surfaced of Big Tigger and his wife, Alicia Brown, tussling over his phone. It’s the second time leaked footage has shown the pair in a physical struggle. Last month, she accused him of cheating with his co-host, Francesca Amiker—an allegation the co-host denied. Brown also alluded to abuse with photos, before later denying she called him an abuser. Then came Tigger’s arrest and breaking his silence. Now, the phone footage is raising eyebrows and sparking debates about “who’s the problem?” in their domestic disputes.

RELATED: Francesca Amiker Shuts Down Affair Allegations From Big Tigger’s Estranged Wife In New Statement (UPDATE)

Video Shows Phone Tussle Between Big Tigger & Alicia Brown

Early Tuesday (July 7), Big Tigger and his wife, Alicia Brown, were trending on social media after a viral clip showed him trying to retrieve his phone from her. It’s unclear who’s recording, but they’re heard making comments to Tigger. Tigger had his arms around Alicia, trying to grab whatever she appeared to be holding near her stomach area. At one point, she ends up falling on the floor, on some packaged clothes. Bigger Tigger immediately tries to explain that he didn’t do anything and that Alicia “dropped” to the person behind the camera. Meanwhile, Brown was on the floor, crying out. Tigger then said multiple times that she could give him the phone and that everything would be “over with.” While she was on the floor, he was standing over her and reaching around her body to grab the phone.

See the video HERE. 

Social Media Reacts To New Video

The Shade Room did not repost the footage of Big Tigger and Alicia Brown, but transcribed what happened in the video. 5,000 comments in, the roommates are in divide while discussing her actions and his in the clip, along with topics like boundaries and accountability.

@tattedkelli_MR wrote, “MR TIGGGGERRR!!!! That part had me cracking up 😂😂😂 but yea she’s the problem.” 

@sarahprettysmile commented, “This video did not help her case. Women be doing everything except leave. They clearly set him up for the video cause why are they calling him by his stage name.”

@msbeautiful87 added, “If you’re doing all of that over a phone, it’s definitely not about no private conversations with no family or friends you’re cheating. That’s what it is. Ain’t no conversation between family and friends that important that you have to scramble with your better half to get a phone you’re hiding something clearly.”

“This is the second video I’ve seen where he is actually NOT hitting her at all! I’m not on anybody’s side, but where is the physical abuse? Give the man his phone and let him walk away,” @told_by_ginger_ wrote.

“She pmo so bad.. forcing me to side with a man 😂😂 girl get up off that floor and give that man his phone 😂,” @kandise_denise commented.

@____beautiful.e said, “That video showed him trying to get his phone that’s all. It’s giving Brandy off thin line between love and hate.”

“Clearly he’s cheating that doesn’t mean hold his property hostage…then you falling and fake crying 😂😂😂😂,” @brii.savage wrote.

@prettyk1206 added, “This just pissed me off so bad!!!! This man reputation and career ruined because of this. Then was sad is the police see this video and charged him, instead of charging HER with felony theft of property for refusing to give him his phone. 😒.”

@xo.strawberrymeng.xo commented, “She should’ve coughed his phone up. Y u even got his phone and keepin it for dear life ? Wife or not. Accountability! Y do u have his phone?”

What Did The Last Viral Video Of The Couple Show?

About week and a half ago, video also circulated of Alicia Brown and Big Tigger in another physical shuffle. The Ring camera footage appeared to show the couple arguing outside of a home. It appears that he grabbed her by the throat and the arms as she yelled for him to get off her. She had released a statement taking “accountability” for posting injuries while expressing her frustration with him not taking any.

This secondary footage could possibly be connected to Big Tigger’s arrest warrant, issued on June 20. However that has yet to be confirmed. Both incidents involving a phone. Alicia reportedly told police she and Tigger got into a confrontation over him texting a coworker. She alleges he called her “psycho” and tackled her over his phone.

RELATED: Big Tigger’s Mugshot Released As More Details Surface About What Allegedly Led To His Arrest On Battery & Cruelty To Children Charges

The Dark Knight (2008) delivered one of the most iconic performances in movie history. Christopher Nolan cast Heath Ledger as the Joker, an anarchic, mysterious criminal devoted not to money or power, but to chaos. His grand plan was not to control or profit from Gotham City, but to plunge it into chaos. In the words of Bruce Wayne’s (Christian Bale) faithful butler, Alfred (Michael Caine): “Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

It was a masterful performance, but also sadly, one that would not be revisited. On January 22, 2008, Ledger passed away, aged just 28. His death cast a poignant shadow over the film, and the performance became a tribute to a unique talent. Out of respect for his memory, The Joker was not recast or mentioned in the 2012 follow-up, The Dark Knight Rises. However, those who wondered what became of the character get a hint in one of the film’s spin-offs, and it’s the perfect end to a timeless performance.

Heath Ledger’s Performance in ‘The Dark Knight’ Could Not Be Replaced

Audiences and critics were captivated by The Dark Knight, considered the best Batman film ever made by many, with Ledger also in the conversation for the best interpretation of The Joker. With no identification, no trail leading to who he really is, and conflicting stories about how he gained his gruesome scarred ‘smile’, the character is bathed in mystery, while still retaining the grounded realism of Nolan’s trilogy.

Ledger would win a posthumous Oscar for his performance in 2009, and fans wondered how the character would be addressed in The Dark Knight Rises. Would he be recast? Would archive footage be used? Could technology be incorporated for one last cameo? Speaking to Empire Magazine in 2012, Nolan revealed the answer was none of the above.

“We’re not addressing the Joker at all,” he said. “That is something I felt very strongly about in terms of my relationship with Heath and the experience I went through with him on The Dark Knight.” He explained: “I didn’t want to in any way try and account for a real-life tragedy. That seemed inappropriate to me. We just have a new set of characters and a continuation of Bruce Wayne’s story, not involving the Joker.” True to his word, there is no mention of the Joker in The Dark Knight Rises. However, one promotional tie-in does give a hint as to where he might be.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Novelization Suggests the Joker’s Whereabouts

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The official novelization of the movie, by Greg Cox, gives the faintest suggestion of where the Joker could be found. In the movie and the book, the Dent Act is established in the wake of Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart) death, which cracked down on organized crime in Gotham City, sending the worst of the worst to the hellish Blackgate Prison, where we meet Bane (Tom Hardy).

It’s that move that leads to a mention of the character in Cox’s book. “Now that the Dent Act had made it all but impossible to cop an insanity plea, it had replaced Arkham Asylum as the preferred location for imprisoning both convicted and suspected felons,” it explains. “The worst of the worst were sent here, except for the Joker, who, rumor had it, was locked away as Arkham’s sole remaining inmate. Or perhaps he had escaped. Nobody was really sure. Not even Selina [Kyle, played in the film by Anne Hathaway].”

It is the clearest official explanation of what happened to the Joker, a figure rumored to be around, somewhere in Gotham’s underworld. It’s vague and undefined, but for that very reason, it’s perfect.

The Joker’s Fate is the Appropriate Farewell

The apocryphal nature of the Joker’s whereabouts in The Dark Knight Rises’ novelization is a small Easter egg for those who want to dive deeply into the world Nolan created. In many ways, its opaque nature matches the character perfectly. Just as we didn’t know his true name, or how he got those scars, so too his exit from the world is just as mysterious. It leaves the possibility that he’s out there without having a definitive end or representing the late Ledger in some way.

Whether Ledger would have returned had he lived remains uncertain. While his sister, Kate, told the Australian press in 2018 that “he had plans for another Batman,” no alternative timeline has been confirmed by Nolan or any other filmmakers. As it stands, this small mention was the Joker’s farewell, and if we had to say goodbye, it’s appropriate that the final mention should be as mysterious and enigmatic as the performance itself.

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Release Date

July 16, 2008

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Runtime

152 minutes

Producers

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Benjamin Melniker, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Kevin De La Noy, Michael Uslan

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