Report: Eddie Murphy cast as the Riddler

LONDON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Eddie Murphy has signed on to play the Riddler and U.K. actress Rachel Weisz Catwoman in the next Batman movie, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie had previously been rumored to be playing the roles in Christopher Nolan's anticipated sequel to the blockbuster "The Dark Knight," the British newspaper said.

Murphy is best known for his work in the movies "Dreamgirls," "Boomerang," "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Nutty Professor." The former "Saturday Night Live" player also lent his voice to the character of Donkey in three animated "Shrek" movies.

Weisz, who starred in the first two movies in the recent "Mummy" franchise, won an Oscar for her performance in "The Constant Gardener."

The Telegraph added that "Transformers" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" star Shia LaBeouf also has been asked to play Robin in the movie, despite the fact Nolan has said in the past he didn't want the youthful sidekick in any of his movies.

No official announcement regarding the film's casting -- or even whether Nolan will return to direct a third installment in the franchise -- has been made. The newspaper said, however, the new movie with the working title "Gotham" is being developed and set for a 2010 release.

"Chris wasn't sure if he wanted to do another movie, but as soon as he decided to, he got the wheels in motion," a source told The Sun newspaper. "Eddie's a fantastic addition. Everyone's excited to see what he does as the Riddler."