Holy sequels!

Welsh actor Christian Bale and director Christopher Nolan are reteaming this summer in Chicago for the follow-up to "Batman Begins," the dark blockbuster that told the story of the young Bruce Wayne and his evolution into masked avenger.

"Dark Knight" -- the first Batman-free title in the franchise -- will be released next year.

The Warner Bros. project may well be "the largest single production ever shot in Chicago," said Rich Moskal of the Chicago Film office. The project could add at least $30 million to the local economy.

Film crews began shooting preliminary scenes this week and a full-scale production team will descend on the city in June. Like before, Nolan plans to exploit the city's starkest features (like the financial district and Lower Wacker Drive) to create a moody ambience. The filmmakers "want that Gotham City look," film chief Moskal said.

Returning castmates include Michael Caine as trusty butler Alfred and Gary Oldman as honest cop James Gordon.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, who filmed "Stranger than Fiction" here with Will Ferrell, will fill Katie Holmes' heels as district attorney Rachel Dawes, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne's. In a surprise twist, Heath Ledger ("Brokeback Mountain") has been tapped as the Joker. Nolan, asked why Ledger was cast as the evil clown, reportedly said, "Because he's fearless."

Speaking of sequels

Both "Ocean's Eleven and "Ocean's Twelve" featured scenes shot in Chicago.

Not so "Ocean's Thirteen," the latest installment in George Clooney's Rat Pack-inspired franchise. Yet the Windy City has been tapped to host the film premiere June 7.

"We don't understand it," said a source, who wished to remain anonymous, linked to the event. "I guess they just think Chicago's a great city."

In this follow-up to the sequel, charming con man Danny Ocean (Clooney) rounds up the boys for a third caper after casino boss Willie Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of the original 11, Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould). Andy Garcia, reprising his role as casino owner Terry Benedict, sides with Ocean's team this time. The movie opens nationwide June 8.

Details remain sketchy, but Clooney and co-stars/accomplices Don Cheadle and Matt Damon have RSVP'd for the charity bash. Oprah Winfrey is a maybe -- one scene shows Clooney sobbing during "Oprah." Another "maybe" is Ellen Barkin, who will play Damon's older-woman love interest.

Alas, Brad Pitt and Pacino have sent their regrets. Organizers are still waiting to hear from the likes of ensemblemates Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck and Gould.

Vanity Fair magazine editor Graydon Carter is hosting the event to raise money for the International Rescue Committee, which aids war victims around the world. The cause is dear to the heart of Clooney, who visited Darfur last year and filmed a documentary on refugees living in Chad.

The "Ocean's Thirteen" evening will include a premiere of the movie at AMC River East 21, followed by a soirée at the new Room 21 restaurant, nightclub, set to open at 2100 S. Wabash Ave. Tickets for the screening alone will start at $500. Details will be announced at a later date.

Just count on digging deep to hobnob with Clooney & Co. The event will be "very chi-chi," the source said. "There will be a very, very, high-end package available for those who wish to mingle with the stars."

Grapevine

Local rock warhorse Styx is joining Def Leppard for a 50-city tour this summer.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. She can be reached at mwoulfe@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4329.