Ledger`s fans want `The Joker` to retire

London, Feb 13: The fans of late actor Heath Ledger want the character of `The Joker` from his last released film "The Dark Knight" to retire as a mark of respect to the Australian star. The actor, who died from an accidental overdose of prescribed drugs in January last year, is a strong favourite to win a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the comic book villain, the Contactmusic reported. He has already bagged the Golden Globe and BAFTA award for his supporting role in the film. Ledger`s fans believe that no one could ever play `The Joker` better again. Fans have started an online petition at TheUltimateJoker.com telling the movie studios to remove the character of `The Joker` from future Batman movies. The online petition, which was launched last week, already boasts almost 2,500 names. "We are Batman fans from the comics and from the movies. After we saw The Dark Knight, we thought this Joker was really the best. It deserves to be withdrawn from any Batman sequels," said Argentine fan Fer Barbella, one of the masterminds behind the site. Bureau Report