The Dark Knight Rises poster, a trailer attached to Harry Potter film

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Fans went nuts when the first official photo from The Dark Knight Rises was released.  It showed a hunched over Tom Hardy as Bane, looking ripped and scary as hell.  Yesterday the first official poster was released.  As simple as it is, it has Batman fans excited as can be.  I know I am.  Sure it's simple, but it screams chaos.  He shows destruction and mayhem without saying a word.  It also appears to have a bat 'rising' up above the building.  Very creative and aggressive marketing.  I really like it.

The kicker is this... the first official trailer is going to be shown ahead of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 this weekend.  It's official and it sounds like it's going to be awesome!  As if I needed another reason to go watch Harry Potter this weekend?!  Stay tuned for the official trailer which should be online next week.  There's no point in posting the bootleg (which I refuse to see), it will just get taken down.  What do you think of the poster?!

The Dark Knight Rises villain... Bane!

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Did you ever doubt Christopher Nolan for a minute?  Did you doubt that he would find a creative and original way to bring Bane to life?  Don't, don't ever doubt this man.  The image above is an official release from Warner Brothers of the new villain The Dark Knight Rises; which is of course the sequel to 2008's The Dark Knight. 

There was so much talk about how Nolan would make the character fit into the realistic world he's created for this Batman trilogy.  The picture shows Inception actor, Tom Hardy, ripped as can be.  I love the mask, it's dark, creepy and mysterious.  Nolan has been masterful at giving just enough to wet the appetite without giving anything away.  The way Bane is turned and looking back to the camera out of the corner of his eye is a little unsettling.

This is the first official glimpse into the third and final film, can you image what's still to come?  This is going to be an film of epic proportions, watch.

A more recent version of Bane

The Dark Knight Rises next year, what about Batman after that?

The news is out about a Justice League film is in the works, but there's more.  We're about a year away from the release of The Dark Knight Rises; Christopher Nolan's third and final film in his Batman trilogy. That hasn't stopped Warner Brothers from planning ahead.  With news of the JL movie, came news of more Batman films. 

According to new president, Jeff Robinov, Warner Brothers has more Batman films to follow Nolan's version.  Robinov says that Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, will remain produces on the next set of Batman films.  Why this news scares me:  Look what happened with Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.  Tim Burton remained on as producer after his two Batman films, but Joel Schumacher found a way to butcher the Dark Knight.

I guess the same thing could be said about Nolan producing Zack Snyder's Superman film; but it's still something to worry about.  Is this a way for WB to keep Nolan in-house?  He has been a cash cow for years now, and I'm sure they want a long-term relationship with the director.  But what route do they take with the next incarnation of Batman?

Do they go Batman Beyond like the animated series?  Campy like the Schumacher variety?  How about more serious, reality based films like Nolan?  The character is so versatile, so complex, there's a million ways to do it.  How about a true Batman and Robin film?  One that features the Red Hood?  That would be amazing!  And, interestingly enough, could tie into Nolan's interpretation of Ra's al Ghul. 

With all this talk about the NEXT Batman franchise, do you think the CURRENT one will be neglected?  Let's hope not, because Nolan has his work cut out for him if he's planning on topping The Dark Knight.  What would you do with the next Batman franchise?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Marion Cotillard in The Dark Knight Rises?

There are a couple of The Dark Knight Returns news/rumors I wanted to tell everyone about.  Both have to do with casting and both are very interesting.  The first is very interesting.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been cast in the film.  It's a bit old news too, but I was waiting for the character to be announced, which it hasn't been yet.  There are a bunch of characters JGL could be playing, but this will reunite him with Director Christopher Nolan, and co-star Tom Hardy, who has been cast as Bane. 

I like JGL a lot and think he will do well no matter who he plays.  My guess at this point is Dr. Hugo Strange.  Strange is an evil doctor who conducts inhumane tests on the prisoners of Arkham Asylum.  But, most of the fan sites think he'll play Alberto Falcone, son of Carmine Falcone who was portrayed by Tom Wilkinson in Batman Begins.  Hold that thought, and let me tell you the next bit of casting rumor.

So we have the same director and 2 stars of Inception in this upcoming Batman film.  Make that 3 stars?  The latest rumor is that Marion Cotillard is joining the cast!  This is great!  I love her, I think she is stunningly beautiful and an amazing actress at that.  It is just rumor mind you.  But I love who she is rumored to play!

A few months ago, I wrote about all the possible actresses that were auditioning for the movie and what roles they were up for.  One of the roles rumored was that of Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ras al Ghul.  Ras was played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins.  Do you see where I'm going with this? 

We've been hearing that this is the last Nolan Batman film; and that it will bring Bruce Wayne's story full circle.  So having the children of two villains in Batman Begins come into the fold makes sense.  The son of Falcone and the daughter of al Ghul plotting revenge sounds intriguing.  There's one really big problem, too many villains!

We've seen this over and over again in comic book movies.  All of this is rumor, but if it's true, 4 villains (can't forget about Catwoman and Bane), are too much.  I have no doubt in my mind Nolan will make an amazing movie, but let's hope its done in a way that it doesn't become Spider-Man 3 or Batman & Robin.  We'll see, but I am exciting by the casting that is happening on The Dark Knight Rises.

Wow, Anne Hathaway will play Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises; Tom Hardy will play Bane

A fan made mock-up

Remember the rumor about Megan Fox playing Catwoman?  Remember the Angelina Jolie rumor?  Yeah, I do.  Well, all the rumors can be laid to rest, Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman... and I hate it.  If you've ever, EVER read this blog, and see Anne Hathaway's name, it's usually in a negative light.  She is the undisputed, most overrated actress in Hollywood.  I just keep saying to myself... 'Director, Christopher Nolan has never let you down'.  I have to believe he made the right choice for the film.

Last week I posted about the 6 women vying for 2 major roles.  We knew Hathaway was in the running, but all along we thought the roles were that of Talia al Ghul and reporter Vicki Vale.  Not so.  It's official, the first of two lead female roles is Selina Kyle. 

Along with the casting of Hathaway, we now know who Tom Hardy will play in The Dark Knight Rises.  Hardy will play the second villain, Bane.  Hardy was cast back in October; but no one knew who he was going to play in the film.  Most people guessed Dr. Hugo Strange or Black Mask.  Both characters seemed to fit in Nolan's "real world". 

The internet/Twitter/blogs all went nuts at the announcement.  Nolan was bound to choose a lesser known villain that the Batman films in the past.  But Bane was already portrayed (horribly) in Batman & Robin.

Bane was created in 1993.  He's both brilliant and has superior strength to Batman.  He was a prisoner at one point; and the aforementioned Dr. Strange tested a new drug called "venom" on him, which acted as a steroid.  So maybe Dr. Strange will still be a player in the film, maybe even a cameo.

Like I said about Nolan before, I trust him, unquestionably.  So I know he'll find a way to make this work! 

Want to see some Irony at it's best?  Check out the picture to the right.  It's a fan made poster of Bat Girl, featuring none other than Anne Hathaway.  Considering it was on the internet soon after The Dark Knight was released in theaters, that's some irony!  Hate it or love it, Hathaway is in the film.

6 Women, 2 Roles, 1 Huge Movie... "The Dark Knight Rises" Leading Women Casting

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The title summarizes the situation, I'll go into more detail. The Dark Knight Rises is the third Batman film in Christopher Nolan's trilogy. The first was Batman Begins and it introduced us to a great villain that could live in Nolan's "real world". The villain was Ras al Ghul, played by the great Liam Neeson. Click the jump to hear about the rumored female characters, as well as what I think of each actress up for the roles.

Well, it's been rumored that Talia al Ghul will be the main villain in the TDKR, set to avenge her father's death. The rumor works on many levels. First of all, it fits within the world that Nolan has created. It COULD happen. Second, and I think more importantly is, it brings the trilogy full circle, and supplies a fitting end to an amazing run for Nolan. When I go through all the actresses that are up for the part, you can begin to see the physical similarities for this character.

The second female character to be rumored for the film is Vicki Vale. Remember when Kim Basinger played the character in 1989 for Tim Burton's Batman? She's the investigative reporter for Gotham. I can only assume her character will be investigating the whereabouts of Batman, as he was cast out at the end of The Dark Knight. You will also notice physical similarities to this character from a few of the actresses.

First, Keira Knightley. I love this pick. She would make an amazing Talia al Ghul! She looks the part, as in, she could be Liam Neeson's daughter. She has the physique, she's been in plenty of action movies. Plus, she has an accent which could play well into the story if she was raised chasing her father around the world. And last but not least, she's a good actress! Yeah, that IS still important to Mr. Nolan.

Next up is an actress I do not like, nor do I want in this film! Jessica Biel would definitely look the part of Vicki Vale, but I don't like her, so we're going to move on.

Another actress I don't like! Anne Hathaway is, I've said it before, and I'll say it again... the most overrated actress in Hollywood. I just don't understand it to be honest with you. She could NEVER pull off Talia, but possibly Vicki. She reminds me too much of Katie Holmes though and I hope that works against her.

Then there is lesser known Kate Mara. I liked her in The Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg, albeit a very small role. She physically looks the part of Talia, but I don't know. She is smart and sexy and could probably play Vicki as well. I like the dice Mr. Nolan is rolling.

Next up is a definite unknown to American fans... Charlotte Riley, who just so happens to be engaged to Tom Hardy; who has already been cast in TDKR after his amazing role in Inception. She must be up for the role of Talia. She looks the part, has an accent and could do well. I've never seen her work, but read a few bios, and it looks good.

Last but not least is Gemma Arterton. I loved her in Prince of Persia, and thought she did what she could with 007: Quantum of Solace. I think she would be up for Talia as well. I liked her in the past, but hope Nolan passes on her for this one, she just wouldn't fit in, I think.

I have to tell you who the dream casting would be... Keira Knightley for Talia al Ghul and Kate Mara for Vicki Vale. I think they're both classy, sexy and all around good actresses. Whoever it is, they're going to have to prove themselves to Christopher Nolan. That makes me feel better no matter who gets picked. We'll keep you up to date as I'm sure a decision will be made in a week or two. The movie starts shooting in May so there's no time to waste!

"Batman 3" Officially Named, To Be Shot Entirely in IMAX?

Who's read this blog before? Who knows how die-hard we are about The Dark Knight? All of you should have your arms up. Tonedog and FattMatt saw Batman Begins together, and were hooked. We called Heath Ledger's Oscar the day of watching The Dark Knight, and now the third film in the Christopher Nolan trilogy has been revealed. The Dark Knight Rises.

Remember the 6 action sequences shot in IMAX on The Dark Knight? Collider is reporting that Nolan was so impressed with what was filmed, he is filming The Dark Knight Rises entirely in IMAX. Whoa! No one knows who the villains will be, but there is plenty of talk about it. Most people are leaning towards Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra's al Ghul. People are guessing she will be after Batman to avenger her father's death. She and Batman have a storied past in the DC Universe and she would be a nice change from all the other villains we've seen on screen.

No matter the villain, It will surely be a fitting end to a trilogy that will define the character for generations to come. Much like Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve to Superman; Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale have changed the perception of a character in Batman.

Picture above brought to you by "Worst Part's Almost Over" on the discussion boards at AICN.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the Riddler in Third Batman?

Inception has now been released, and is the number one movie in the country. So what's next for director/genius Christopher Nolan? Let the games begin... Batman 3 rumors. This one is actually a few days old, but Comic-Con kicked my butt and I'm just now recovered enough to actually post on the blog again.

The rumor is that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will play the Riddler in Batman 3, the sequel to The Dark Knight. This is a great rumor for multiple reasons.

First, Christopher Nolan has always stated, 'he wont talk about the next film until the one he's working on is complete'. Well, after about a hundred million dollars in two weeks, I'd say Inception has categorically finished as far as production. So the rumor that Gordon-Levitt has shown up on casting sheets could be true.

Second, Nolan loves to work with actors on multiple projects. Christian Bale: Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight. Michael Caine: Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, Inception. So it's not too far of a stretch to believe he would want to work with Gordon-Levitt after Inception.

Third, Gordon-Levitt could pull it off. The Riddler was never a physical challenge to Batman, just a mind game type of villain. JG-L has the physique to play the Riddler, as well as the acting chops. He's one of the few child actors that has transitioned nicely into adult roles. I would be supportive of JGL as the Riddler, even thought the masses are hoping for Johnny Depp.

That's all I have for now, just some food for thought. Would you like to see JGL as the Riddler in Batman 3? Or would you even want the Riddler as the main villain in Batman 3? Your thoughts.

Batman 3 release date announced, G.I. Joe sequel coming as well... 2012 is going to be a good year!

UPDATE: Ice Age 4 (Ice Age: Continental Drift) will also be released in 2012 (July 13th). That's all you get for this stupid, unneccessary sequel.

Warner Brothers has announced the release date for the next installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman franchise. July 20th, 2012 I will standing in a very long line to see this movie. I will not be blogging, I will not be texting or talking on the phone; I will be immersed in the film that I would have waited 4 years for! God I can't wait!

Batman is not the only big budget movie that summer, nor is it the only big budget comic book movie that summer. UNofficially, a sequel to G.I. Joe has been announced as well. MTV Movie Blog interviewed the producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and he told them the sequel could film as early as the Spring of 2011 for a Summer of 2012.

Not a bad list of summer 2012 films so far huh?

Batman 3
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Avengers
G.I. Joe 2

Relax... Megan Fox will NOT be playing Catwoman?

The Sun newspaper gave everyone that's a Batman fan a scare today... they reported Megan Fox was cast as Catwoman in the upcoming Batman 3. This scared every fan in the world because, well, she sucks. It's really that simple, she's a terrible actress. Christopher Nolan hasn't even been confirmed as director yet, much less casting. There is no way this rumor is true. After the incredible casting of the first two movies, I doubt Nolan OR Warner Brothers would approve of Megan Fox. So for now, lets relax and wait for the confirmation that she is NOT cast in Batman 3.

Thank you to /slashfilm for the picture.