With the second of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, The Dark Knight, smashing all kinds of records the world over, fans have hardly had time to catch breath from seeing Heath Ledger as the Joker and Aaron Eckhart as Two face take on the caped crusader before rumours have started flying around about the next one. Christian Bale once more donned the cowl for The Dark Knight, which also starred movie heavyweights Michael Caine and Gary Oldman, reprising their roles from Batman Begins, and early indications are that he will be doing so for a third film once it comes around.

But what will be the story of the next film? Who will be the villain, or indeed, villains? Here we’ll take a look at those rumours, and bring you the facts and the fiction on the next outing for the Dark Knight and his adversaries.

What is clear is that the next film is going to have to be just as incredible as the previous two, but with the talent that is being thrown at these projects, and the ever bigger profile that comic book movies are garnering, I think the franchise is in safe hands.

WILL CHRISTOPHER NOLAN RETURN?

At the time of writing, Chrisptopher Nolan is yet to sign on to direct the third Batman movie in this new series. The film will definitely happen, thanks to the enormous success of the Dark Knight, but the director has yet to agree to sit in the chair again.

JOHNNY DEPP AS THE RIDDLER?

There is no truth to the rumour that Johnny Depp is to play the Riddler in the next film. This rumour was floated online and in print, but the actor has not been approached for the part. When questioned about the rumour, Depp stated that ‘It would be a fun gig’, but that’s all thus far.

ANGELINA JOLIE AS CATWOMAN?

This rumour was actually started by Angelina Jolie herself! The actress, known more for adopting children and giving birth amid a media frenzy more than her acting of late, stated that she would be up for playing the feline villain in the next film. While it would be great to see the character in the next film, fans aren’t sure whether Jolie would be able to take on the role played so well by Michelle Pfeiffer and so terribly by Halle Berry (Stick to Marvel films Halle- they do suit you better!). Plus, many film fans still have a bad taste in their mouth from the godawful 2004 Catwoman movie.

THE DARK KNIGHT TO RETURN IN 2011? 

A Warner Bros executive has stated that we could be seeing the next Batman film as early as 2011. The next film, following on from the massive success of the dark Knight, is yet to even be written, so the statement that it will be released in 2011 seems a little far-fetched.  There is currently no movement whatsoever on a new batman movie, or indeed any of the DC comics character movies that Warner Bros have the rights to. Once WATCHMEN comes out, it may be a while until any more Dc characters come out as films due to Warner Bros putting them all on hold while they decide what direction to take in light of The Dark Knight’s success.  Marvel comics fans can rejoice though- there is at least half a dozen new Marvel movies to come between now and 2011.