Batman 3 (2012)

Warner Bros. president of production Jeff Robinov hopes a third film will be released in 2011 or 2012.[80] Nolan had originally not committed to another sequel, explaining that he does not normally line up projects right after completing a film, noting "Is there a story that's going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one? That’s the overriding question. On a more superficial level, I have to ask the question: How many good third movies in a franchise can people name?"[81] He added the only reason he would return would be if he found a necessary way to continue the story, but he feared midway through filming another installment he would find it redundant.[82] Nolan had written a rough story outline and made some notes by December 2008, despite his uncertainty in returning for the sequel.[83] Later in December, Alan F. Horn confirmed that while discussions with Nolan about a third film were ongoing, no casting had been done, and Horn categorically denied all such rumors.[84] On February 9, 2010, it was announced that Christopher Nolan has "cracked" the story of a sequel to The Dark Knight and had committed to return to that project.[85] Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer are currently working on the script for the upcoming film.[86]

Before Nolan confirmed his involvement, Gary Oldman had said he was confident Nolan would return,[87] and Bale said he would return if Nolan did.[88] Oldman hinted that, in the third film, Commissioner Gordon would have to "hunt down Batman".[89] He has also speculated that the villain of the upcoming film might be the Riddler.[90] Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, Robin will not be appearing in the franchise because Bale is still portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films".[91] Christian Bale has even gone on record saying he would leave the franchise if Robin was introduced.[92] In addition, Nolan considers the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing. The Penguin would be tricky."[93] Batman 3 (2012)

Without a finished story in place, casting at this stage cannot be attributed to anything beyond rumor or suggestion.[94] Kate Beckinsale has expressed interest in playing Catwoman,[95] while Angelina Jolie has been suggested to play the role. Julie Newmar, who played Catwoman in the Batman series from 1966 to 1967, said, "Angelina would own the part."[96] David Tennant wishes to portray the Riddler.[97] Aaron Eckhart had expressed his enthusiasm that he would reprise his role for a sequel if asked, although he later confirmed that, in talks with Nolan before Heath Ledger's death, the director considers his character dead.[98] Michael Caine commented that a studio executive was interested in casting Johnny Depp as the Riddler, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin.[99] Hoffman stated that he had not been approached regarding a role in the film.[100] Gary Oldman, while taking questions from an audience at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, was asked about a third film, in which he replied, "We start shooting next year. You didn't hear that from me." He subsequently clarified his comment, saying, "... well, I'm sure they want to do another one... it might [be] 2 or 3 years."[101] However, in 2009, Michael Caine had told MTV News that the film was not being worked on and Johnny Depp had not been offered any role.[102]

On March 10, 2010, Nolan confirmed his involvement in the project and gave some information regarding the story. The next Batman film will be Nolan's last and a conclusion to the story. Nolan says, "Without getting into specifics, the key thing that makes the third film a great possibility for us is that we want to finish our story. And in viewing it as the finishing of a story rather than infinitely blowing up the balloon and expanding the story . . . I’m very excited about the end of the film, the conclusion, and what we’ve done with the characters. My brother has come up with some pretty exciting stuff. Unlike the comics, these things don’t go on forever in film and viewing it as a story with an end is useful. Viewing it as an ending, that sets you very much on the right track about the appropriate conclusion and the essence of what tale we’re telling. And it hearkens back to that priority of trying to find the reality in these fantastic stories. That’s what we do.” Nolan has also confirmed that Jonathan Nolan is writing the script and that the villain of the film “won't be Mr. Freeze.”[103] Warner Bros. expects a full announcement in July 2010, possibly at the San Diego Comic-Con, which would include a title and possibly casting information.[104] In April 2010, Warner Bros. announced the film will be released on July 20, 2012.[105] In June 2010, Nolan confirmed that the Joker will not return in the third film.[106] It is rumored, for now, that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in talks to play the Riddler.[107] The film will begin shooting in March 2011.[108]