Murphy denies 'Batman 3' casting

Eddie Murphy has slammed speculation that he will appear in the upcoming sequel to The Dark Knight.

Earlier reports had suggested that the Beverly Hills Cop star had been cast in the role of The Riddler, but a representative for the actor has told Access Hollywood that the rumour is "not true".

The sequel, tentatively titled Gotham, has been slated for a 2010 release.

However, Warner Brothers president Alan Horn, has warned that production on the film will not be rushed.

"The story is everything and we are very respectful of [director] Chris [Nolan]," he told Collider. "We have a wonderful relationship with him and we are going to be respectful of his timing and we want to get it right.

"Also, I think the fans expect that - they want us to make a terrific movie. We have to give them another great movie."