WITH Val Kilmer and Chris O'Donnell already on board to reprise their eponymous roles in Batman And Robin, Alicia Silverstone has signed to play Batgirl and Drew Barrymore has been cast as Poison Ivy in the sequel, which will be directed by Joel Schumacher, who also did Batman Forever. The next addition to the cast is likely to be Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is tipped to play Mr Freeze.

Tim Burton, who will co produce Batman And Robin, is in final talks with Jack Nicholson to play the US president in Burton's next film as a director, Mars Attacks, a sci fi comedy thriller based on a cult series of 1960s playing cards.

Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lukas Haas are already signed for the film which shoots later this month.