Bale unhappy over calls to cut Ledger

Christian Bale has hit back at claims that new Batman movie The Dark Knight should be axed.

Following Heath Ledger's death in January, there have been calls for certain scenes to be cut from the film, while some critics have said that it should not be screened at all.

Ledger plays the villainous Joker in The Dark Knight, which will be released later this month. One scene which may not make the movie sees his character in a body bag.

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

"The guy was brilliant. He was a fantastic actor and he put everything into this part," Christian continued. "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."

Bale recently dismissed speculation that the role contributed towards Ledger's accidental overdose of prescription drugs.