A 2.5 ton Batmobile is to lead the stars of the new Dark Knight film up the carpet at the Lonodon premiere for the Batman film.

Leicester Square will be filled with the roar from the engine, which recently raced along the speedway at Sivlerstone, where the British Formula 1 Grand Prix is held.

But the presence of the impressive vehicle will not hide the conspicuous absence of one of the film's stars.

Heath Ledger, who played super-villain The Joker, died of an accidental drug overdose in January.

His performance has been hailed as Oscar-worthy by the film's other stars, including Sir Michael Caine.

Christian Bale, who played Gotham's hero in Batman Begins, continues playing the part of the caped crusader in this follow up, while Maggie Gyllenhall makes the jump from indie flick chick to global blockbuster star playing love interest Rachel Dawes.

She takes the place of Katie Holmes, and reportedly gives a more powerful and nuanced performance.

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