While the "Batman Begins" sequel "The Dark Knight" isn't due in theaters for another couple of months, the action figure based on late actor Heath Ledger's character The Joker is already a huge hit.

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According to the New York Post, fans are lining up early at toy stores in New York to try to buy The Joker figure.

The figure by Mattel runs for about $10 -- if you can find one.

A Toys R Us in New York, told the Post that there were no Joker figures in the warehouse and "You will be waiting a while if you want one."

However, Toys R Us spokesman Bob Friedland tried to downplay the shortage saying the stores get "Dark Knight" action figures "on a regular basis."

A Mattel spokeswoman told the Post that the figures were delivered to some stores a week ago, and others are still awaiting their shipments.

Ledger died of an accidental overdose in January at age 28. The filming of The Joker's scenes in "The Dark Knight" was completed before the "Brokeback Mountain" star's death.

"The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale as Batman/Bruce Wayne, opens in theaters July 18.