The Dark Knight Rises

Now that Christopher Nolan has completed his latest blockbuster, Inception, his attention has been thankfully returned to the third (and possibly final) installment of his uber-succesful Batman franchise, Batman 3, offically titled The Dark Knight Rises.

Speculation about the films release date, plot, villains and development has been rampant since the sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, hit theatres in 2008 and broke all kinds of box office records, earning over one billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales and garnering 2 Academy Awards in the proces, including best supporting actor for the late Heath Ledger.

The Dark Knight Rises plot is still being kept under wraps, but a lot more information has been released over the past month or so, as production gains momentum and with it the inevitable hype that follows such a hot property.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for The Dark Knight Rises Teaser Trailer

Update:

Christopher Nolan has announced that this will be his final Batman film in terms of directorial duties, but has stated that if the studio continues the story in further sequels, he might be serving as producer.

A release date of 20 July, 2012 has been confirmed by the studio, along with confirmation of the casting of Tom Hardy as Bane and Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, who will serve as the The Dark Knight Rises villains, and will be joining returning cast members Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred) and Morgan Freeman (Lucious Fox).

It has also been confirmed by Christopher Nolan that The Joker will not be making an appearance in the film in spite of rumours that the character (as portrayed by Heath Ledger) would be created using digital effects. It is possible and likely that he will be referred to in dialogue only, as a way to wrap up his story arc and give closure to fans wondering about his fate.

Aaron Eckhart, who portrayed DA Harvey Dent/Two-Face in The Dark Knight has also confirmed that he will not be a part of The Dark Knight Rises cast as his character is dead.

The Dark Knight Rises script was written by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan, based on a story by David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan.

Although The Dark Knight Rises trailer wont be out for at least another year, its good to know that the studio and all involved are finally giving fans some official information and hopefully we'll get to see some stills from the set once production is in full swing.