Movie bosses are thrilled with the response to BATMAN BEGINS - it took $46.9 million (24.6 million) in its first weekend (17-19JUN05) at the US box office - and have snapped up the film's stars for a sequel.
Bale as Batman was the first to put pen to paper, followed by Caine as butler ALFRED and Freeman as BRUCE WAYNE'S business associate LUCIUS FOX.
But Holmes won't reprise her role as district attorney RACHEL DAWES - reportedly because WARNER BROS is angry her engagement to TOM CRUISE has stolen media attention away from the movie.
A source tells PAGESIX.COM, "Everyone is in agreement that the movie's strength is with Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman."
Adding of Holmes, "She won't be in the sequel... the next romantic interest will be a much stronger actress.
"Warner is happy that people are now focusing on who'll be playing the JOKER rather than Katie and Tom." (IG/WNWCPS/IG)
