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Christian Bale stars as Caped Crusader

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updated 2:48 p.m. ET March 4, 2004

LOS ANGELES - “Batman Begins” has begun.

A new movie about the origins of the Caped Crusader started filming Thursday in Iceland, with “American Psycho” actor Christian Bale starring as the shadowy vigilante who protects Gotham City from psychotic villains.

Filming will then move to London and Chicago.

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The movie is directed by “Memento” filmmaker Christopher Nolan, and co-stars Michael Caine as Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler, Alfred. Gary Oldman will play Lt. James Gordon, a younger version of the character most “Batman” fans know as Commissioner Gordon.

The cast also includes Katie Holmes as one of Wayne’s childhood friends, Liam Neeson as Batman’s mentor, Morgan Freeman as a disgruntled employee of Wayne Enterprises and “The Last Samurai” Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe as the sinister Ra’s Al Ghul.

Warner Bros. is hoping to resurrect the character after 1997’s “Batman & Robin” with George Clooney, which alienated many fans with its overly campy feel.

“Batman Begins” is set for release in summer 2005.