Nolan Not a Sure Thing for Third Batman Film?

A third Batman movie without Christopher Nolan? That's the latest storyline in the ongoing post-Dark Knight soap opera that has seen reports of everything from the movie shooting this past spring to Cher as Catwoman. But what's true about this is that Nolan has not, in fact, signed anything to return. A source tells Batman on Film that Nolan is not inclined to direct the sequel to the second-biggest film ever, saying that Warner Bros. will really have to outdo itself to coerce him into a Gotham City return. The reason? "The death of Heath Ledger in January of 2008 rocked Mr. Nolan hard," the source claims. "So hard that Chris was convinced that TDK was going to be it for him and Batman on film." Moreover, says the source, The Joker was conceived as the villain for the third film, as well, which obviously can't happen on Nolan's watch now. Franchise co-writer David Goyer tells IGN that he and Nolan have talked about story ideas for a third movie, but that's the extent of his news. I'm sure Nolan has some reservations about returning. From the memories of Heath Ledger to the enormity of the third film in a series to the impossible expectations, it does seem as though there are plenty of reasons to walk away. Despite all that, I can't imagine him leaving the story he's nurtured to a very specific point in the character arc to let somebody else come in and complete it. The Batman on Film source says we won't see this movie until at least 2012, which is an additional year added to the pause between the first two films. That works for Warner Bros., anyway. The studio has Nolan's Inception next summer and the final Harry Potter movie in 2011. Therefore, another life-altering tentpole may not make sense until the next election cycle. Plus it would give the only director anybody wants to see for a third Batman movie time to recharge the batteries and fully commit to a new story.

Comments

[Sean]

WOW please come back Christopher Nolan... If you dont I will boycott...

And also I have no idea how the heck you can do better from The Dark Knight...

I have no idea...

The only thing I see is having a VERY HUGE star, and I have no idea who will take such a risk...

what does the community think?

[Rob]

I would rather wait several years for a good Batman from Nolan than to see it cheapened with a different director or to have him do it too soon. It only takes a few years to make a movie, but it stays with us for a life time. We can wait for brilliance. Even if they decide to go with a Joker story and replace Ledger, as long as Nolan does it, I am sure he will pick someone great.

[Lengthy Johnson]

This shows why Nolan, after all, is one of the best directors around.

Instead of being swept away on a wave of hubris, like some I could mention, he has doubts whether he could actually top, let alone repeat, the success of the Dark Knight.

I have always said that Batman is a weird detour for one of the most promising film-makers in a long time.

But I believe that Colin is right. Nolan probably wouldn't want another director to pick up the third part, make a mess of it and destroy the trilogy.

[Zemba]

No one's going to boycott anything. You idiots will line up to see it no matter who writes or stars or directs. MIck Jagger could play batman and you would still go see it. Oprah could play Catwoman and you'd line up and drool on your movie tickets. Get real.