'Batman 3' Will Be Called 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Director Christopher Nolan adds that Riddler will not appear in third 'Batman' film.
By Josh Wigler

Christian Bale in "The Dark Knight"
Photo: Warner Bros.

In 2012, the Dark Knight will rise.

At long last, Christopher Nolan third "Batman" film. And as was the case with "The Dark Knight," the very mention of Batman himself is nowhere to be found. Instead, the critically acclaimed director of "Memento" and "Inception" will call his next film "The Dark Knight Rises."

Nolan confirmed the title in an interview with The Los Angeles Times, adding that the developing comic book adaptation will not have a role for the Riddler. The famous Batman rogue has long been considered a leading candidate to be the villain in "The Dark Knight Rises," with actors including Joseph Gordon-Levitt rumored for the part. But Nolan ended the debate with one rather definitive statement: "It won't be the Riddler."

In addition to confirming the title and removing one possible villain from the pool, Nolan stated that Warner Bros. executives have agreed with the director's desire to avoid 3-D for the third "Batman" film. Instead, "The Dark Knight Rises" will employ "high-definition approaches and IMAX cameras to strike out on a different cinematic path than the stereoscopic technology that, for better or worse, has become the dominant conversation in the blockbuster sector."

The pieces are certainly falling into place for "The Dark Knight Rises." Not only has Nolan announced the film's new title, he's also started the hunt for new actors. Earlier this month, his "Inception" collaborator Tom Hardy landed an unidentified lead role, with many assuming that he's taking on a villainous part. With his secret identity preserved, only one thing is certain about Hardy's character: He's not the Riddler.

"We'll use many of the same characters as we have all along, and we'll be introducing some new ones," the director said.

"The Dark Knight Rises" is scheduled to hit theaters on July 20, 2012. Shooting begins in April in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."

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