Kat flies from Batman

Katie Holmes has decided not to reprise her role alongside English actor Christian Bale in the new instalment of the Batman series.

The franchise, which swung back onto cinema screens in Batman Begins, will continue with sequel The Dark Knight, set to be released in 2008.

However, Ms Holmes, wife of Hollywood hot property Tom Cruise, will not be making another appearance as Rachel Dawes.

Although no replacement has yet appeared to fill her shoes, fans may breathe a sigh of relief that Christan Bale, perhaps best known for his portrayal of a serial killer in American Psycho, will be appearing as dual identities Batman and Bruce Wayne.

Bale will be joined by heartthrob Heath Ledger - former star of Brokeback Mountain and A Knight's Tale - as the joker.

UK actor Gary Oldman, who shot to fame in a number of films such as Leon and Bram Stoker's Dracula will also be returning.

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