Christian Bale Blasts Calls To Cut Heath Ledger's Final Performance

BATMAN star CHRISTIAN BALE has hit out at calls for tragic actor HEATH LEDGER'S final film appearance to be axed - describing the idea as "bloody insane".

Movie bosses have not yet confirmed whether a scene featuring Ledger's The Joker character in a body bag will be cut from the new Batman film The Dark Knight.

The scene was shot just weeks before the actor was found dead at his New York apartment in January (08).

Now Batman Bale has stated his case for keeping Ledger's last scenes intact.

He says, "I know there are a lot of people out there who don't think this movie should be shown.

"But, if you're asking my opinion, I think that's bloody insane. I also think it's an insult to Heath and everything he stood for.

"I don't think anything should be cut - I think it's the movie he wanted to make.

And Bale believes Ledger's final performance will act as a celebration of his life as an actor - insisting it would be "rude" not to run with the integral scene.

He adds, "The guy was brilliant. He was a fantastic actor and he put everything into this part. I absolutely know without question that he would have wanted everyone to see it.

"For me, this is a celebration of what he did best - entertain people... Respect the man. This is what he did. This is what he wanted to do."