"Dark Knight" Premieres

The Batmobile is on display at the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. Stars, including Mariska Hargitay, Josh Hartnett, Diane Kruger, Jerry Seinfeld, and Patrick Wilson came out for the world premiere of the sequel to "Batman Begins."

In a scene from the movie, Christian Bale stars as Batman. In the "Dark Knight," Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City, but soon finds himself prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker and comes closer to the fine line between hero and vigilante.

Actors, from left, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Christian Bale and Maggie Gyllenhaal attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Actor Christian Bale attends the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. The film reunites Bale, who reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, with director Christopher Nolan.

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal attends the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. She is new to the cast, taking over the role of Rachel Dawes, Batman's love interest, from Katie Holmes.

Overshadowing all the stars on the black carpet was actor Heath Ledger, who died on Jan. 22, 2008, just after filming on the movie ended. His performance as The Joker is winning rave reviews and generating Oscar buzz.

"He steals the movie. I'm quite happy to say that he absolutely does," star Christian Bale said of Ledger, seen here in 2006. Ledger's family was reported to be in the audience, but they did not walk the black carpet.

The Batcycle is on display Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Actor Michael Caine and wife Shakira attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. Caine reprises his role as Batman's manservant, Alfred Pennyworth.

Actors, from left, Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. Eckhart plays Harvey Dent/Two-Face.

Actor Christian Bale and his wife, Sibi Blazic, attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal attends the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Reality TV star Lauren Conrad poses for photographers at the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

"Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively was among the celebrities lining the black carpet for the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Actor Morgan Freeman escorted his granddaughter Edina to the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York. Freeman plays Lucius Fox.

Actor Emile Hirsch, left, and a guest attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Actor Chin Han attends the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Lauren Conrad poses on the back carpet at world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Director Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, attend the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" Monday, July 14, 2008, in New York.

Co-stars Christian Bale and Maggie Gyllenhaal pose together at the world premiere of "The Dark Knight" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on Monday, July 14, 2008.