^ Hulme didn't test -- I've never reported that, so let's get what I say straight. He MET with Charles Roven and there were plans to test later this year. Frankly, I don't know if Ledger was test -- I don't think so.
There's a whole lot more that I know that I'm not allowed to say, sorry, that's the way it works. Now, I can say that there was a desire to cast -- well, let me put it this way -- they didn't want to go with a complete unknown. That was what Hulme was up against, not that he's "crap."
From what I heard, all liked him very much, it came down to being an unknown and it was too risky for such a big film. Don't agree totally, but I certainly understand.
It also looks like my sources were correct in regards to Bettany -- too much "been there, done that" with him.
Rockwell wanted it BAD and was lobbying hard for the role.
Robin Williams was never in the mix, nor was Brody, or Glover. I think they looked HARD at Weaving, Jude Law, and Hulme.