I'm not sure I like this rumor floating around as it taints the idea that Heath Ledger only did the performance he gave on screen to try and get himself fired but still get paid!

Apparently Vanity Fair is running a cover story in its August issue called "The Last of Heath," where it is implied that Ledger hoped to get fired from the Dark Knight shoot.

"Ledger's friend and agent, Steven Alexander, tells [Vanity Fair] that Heath 'was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies,'" the story says. "'He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.' According to friends of Ledger's, one of the reasons he agreed to do Dark Knight was that the unusually long shoot would give him an excuse to turn down other offers."

Again apparently those interviewed say that since Ledger had a pay-or-play deal on the film, meaning he'd get paid no matter what, the actor felt he could do whatever he wanted as the Joker.

"Ledger hoped his performance would be so far-out he'd be fired, and thus become the beneficiary of a lengthy, paid vacation," says the story.

I think Heath Ledger was an amazing character actor and from recent interviews I've read, he put all he gave into this role. Even to the point of creating a Joker diary, with all the twisted things the Joker would do... does that sound like someone who would go to that length to get fired for money!!! No I think not, Vanity Fair should be ashamed of themselves!!!

(Source - Vanity Fair)