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The Dark Knight Sequel Waiting on Nolan's Commitment

by Alex Billington
August 27, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter

Although this isn't a big update, the Hollywood Reporter has a great article titled Anatomy of a Hit: 'The Dark Knight' that's worth reading if you're interested in some in-depth interpretation on The Dark Knight and its success. However, at the end of the article, they mention briefly some details on whether or not a sequel is in the works. The short of it: they're waiting to hear from Christopher Nolan, because it's entirely up to him. Everyone knows that WB will probably make a sequel no matter whether he returns or not. Or rather, they'll pay him enough and give him what he needs to get it made. And if he does come back, it will be one hell of a sequel that I know we all hope will top The Dark Knight.

Producer Chuck Roven explains that "there are a lot of us who emotionally would love to do it. But it's really Chris' call. Chris is the kind of filmmaker who just doesn't think about the next movie before he has completely finished the movie he is working on." Nolan is currently on vacation and Warner Brothers is just waiting for "Nolan to come to them with a story and a plan." And Roven's response: "When he comes back, we will see how he feels." This isn't really big news, but it's simply an update to hold over fans and those of us who are anxious to hear that a third Batman movie is in the works. The biggest question: will Nolan be able to top The Dark Knight? He's got a monumental task in front of him but I'm certain he'll be able to pull it off. It's just a matter of waiting until he returns.

Filed under Movie News

From around the web:

Breach

There is no way he would say no after TDK did so well, he has to finish the trilogy.
http://www.entertainmenttodayandbeyond.com entertainmenttodayandbeyond.com

I have no doubt Nolan will be back to complete his trilogy but its just not worth holding our collective breath over when it will happen! At best, ideas for a 3rd entry and pen to paper on a script is at least 9 months to a year away! Also, since everyone wants another great movie, rushing it to screen would be a mistake. Personally since The Dark Knight was so satisfying I can wait as long as it takes to bring such top notch quality to the big screen! To Chris Nolan- Have a good time on your vacation!
JL

On the one hand, he stands to make a lot of money. And on the other, if he has other goals in sight and doesn't want to camp too long, he may hand over the reins to some other director. A director with Nolan's artistic integrity probably doesn't want to be tied down. But if you weigh the factors, I'd say he's up to the challenge of topping The Dark Knight. And a challenge it would be, considering he already introduced Batman's greatest nemesis and the fact that the actor portraying him has passed away. Where can you go from there? A good question, often asked, and one that Nolan is capable of answering. I hope he does.
JL

The way The Dark Knight ended, I wouldn't be too upset if there wasn't a third installment. It had a very appropriate and neat ending. Of course, you don't know what has happened to all of his enemies for certain, but it isn't really all about them anyway.
http://film-book.com/ Film-Book dot Com

Hopefully he will but he probably take some time off and make other films before jumping back in. He doesn't want his career to be all about The Bat.
vegeta

Dark Knight was a true achievement as far as cinematography, music, and superior performances, and it's pretty certain Chris Nolan will be able to emulate it artistically. But it was also full of social and political commentary that was absolutely fitting for the story. That sounds like the real challenge to me.
Matt Suhu

the article said that the third film may be titled as "The Caped Crusader"...that does seem quite appropriate for the third installment.
L

#1 This is a thing about film making recently that has really been a quality standard problem recently. Why does everything have to be a trilogy? Is 3 movies the only way a story can actually be told or completed? Don't get me wrong, I love Nolan's Batman movies, but it doesn't have to be 3. Almost every comic elite has said that Batman has had the greatest rogue's gallery among superheroes. So why not 5? 8? or even stop where they are? Basically, if it is possible to make multiple movies with equal if not better, scripts than the preceeding movie, I am all for it. But please, just don't churn out garbage and deface a series, b/c if has to fill the trilogy quota. (I.E Godfather)
Kyle

If Nolan can make a movie that is different from The Dark Knight, but still capture the tone and spirit of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, he'll have done his job in spades.
Kyle

In other words, as long as it doesnt turn out like Spiderman 3, I'll be happy...
DarkGrittyMovieLover

I for one firmly believe that Nolan is up to the task and it would be a crime if he didn't make a third installment; especially considering TDK's monumental success.
Al

I doubt another Batman film could top Dark Knight. Dont get me wrong, I would love for it too, just dont think it will happen.
Soup Nazi

There's no topping Dark Knight. Get real. A movie is only as good as the villain. What I'm hoping for is a good third act, something better than the third movie.
Soup Nazi

I meant "first movie"
Jean Paul Valley

Harleen Quinzel, M.D. will finish Joker's "storyline, perhaps with even "copycat" precision and Riddler will infect Gotham next...2010
JD

If they want to top The Dark Knight then they have to choose a good villain and the perfect actor to fill the role. It has to be someone with great acting chops and someone with enough star power to bring the casual moviegoer back for a third installment. The Riddler would be a great bad guy and Johnny Depp would do for that role what Heath Ledger did for the Joker!
Dave Lister, J.M.C.

I like Johnny Depp as The Riddler. By the time a third film could be written, prepped, shot and released, people will likely have long forgotten about Capt. Jack Sparrow. The baggage of that role could possibly hurt how he would be received, if it came too closely on the heals of the Pirates films. There is some good motivation for Bruce/Batman; the Joker killed Rachel Dawes which will reinvigorate his vigilante quest. There is plenty of depth to be mined, in the Batman universe that Nolan and company have drawn up. Hopefully Nolan wants to do another one... even better, perhaps he wants to do a few more over several years. Perhaps he could culminate it all with a big screen adaption of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
tronicIO

I doubt that TDK2 will even come close to TDK's success. I mean the movie is really got, but I think that 25% of all viewers watch it because of one thing only and that is Heath Ledger's death. It is still a comical figure it's still "men in tights" atleast for Batman that is, so many people weren't interested till Ledger's death.
Buttons

why are we worrying about nolans third right now. We should be focusing on Transformers 2. But seriously. I can't wait for whatever happens. Its exciting to be movie fan right now.
Joshua

@18 I'm sick of people saying TDK is only as successful as it is because of Heath Ledger's death. 25 percent? Are you serious?? That is such a joke. And the question of if the third movie will top TDK is pretty obvious. The answer is an emphatic NO and anyone who has seen TDK and is familiar with Batman should know that. C'mon Alex, you're better than that.
Big r

TDK is still in theaters, it will be at least 2-3 years for a third installment. Its fun to anticipate and to wait but we dont want to rush it. We should focus on (some would disagree) spiderman 4 at least. We have some great movies coming in the next few years. Im pumped for Transformers 2 and the following year we will see iron man 2. I am sure Nolan will do a 3rd installment and Depp as Riddler would be perfect IMHO.
tronicIO

@Joshua (20): Again, I am not saying that TDK is a bad movie, hell no! I a not saying that it wouldn't have been successful weren't it for the death of Heath Ledger. I am just saying it is MORE successful. And okay maybe 25% is a bit too much. Then again there appear to be a lot of people saying the same thing, so there has to be something to it. Maybe not 25% okay, but let's just make a rough projection: Let's say the movie'll make about 500 million bucks till it's last day (just talking north america here), if you take 25% off of that would leave him with 375 million that's as of today the No. 11 spot in the alltime list!!! BTW it would still be only behind Spiderman (No. 8) concerning comic book movies. I am just saying that things like these happen, people tend to get more interested in movies. Let's just say that I am completely wrong, why is it then, that right after the Oscar nominees, or after they received an Oscar movies get that hyped.
SlashBeast

I think Nolan will come back, why wouldn’t he? Besides, even though the third film in a trilogy usually never lives up to the first two (especially with comic book movies), why not even attempt to make a great third film. Why not use this fact as a challenge and for an opportunity to improve?
Hulk

who cares
JUn

The poster for me make me think about The Riddler????? Who else?????
Kail

I'm more than sick of the dark knight now. I don't want another batman movie unless it takes a different turn. This whole "dark comic" fad has gotten stale really fast.
http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

I hope he does it b/c no way is WB ending this franchise.
Movieraider321

Riddler would be a good 3rd villian but I'm skeptic on Depp being him. Sure he was funny as a drunken pirate, and tore your heart strings out in Edward Scissorhands and belted a lovely tune in Sweeney Todd, but seriously? As a total nutjob goofball crazy Riddler? I think we should consider other possibilities.
Movieraider321

And to comment on Kail, its not a fad it was based of the graphic novel The Long Halloween. All the Batman comics are very dark and gritty, not like how the former movies portrayed him at all. Some get really intense just like TDK did
Tim "Cloverfield"

Hey 18 WTF!???? First off, TDK 2!!!??????? WTF again> This proves you know NOTHING about the series, or the character. Christian Bale signed for 3 films....PERIOD! We all hope Nolan will be back. Bale has many projects in the works and with Ridley Scott Obviously you missed the first installment......I must agree with many here of the fans of the Dark Knight CHARACTER I am sick and freak'n tired of the Ledger reference in regards to Box office success. If anything, you people caused the many fans that look at traditon of seeing your favorite Movie, Hero, or Blockbuster film on OPENING DAY IMAX or not.....NOT TO BE ABLE TO BUY TICKETS!!!!!!!!!! You were the same people that had NO IDEA IN HELL what the Dark Knight was about, and should have been given a 10 question written test before you could even enter the theatre, let alone buy tix, and you were the same people that TALKED through out the film and I was many of the ones to tell you to SHUT THE F*** UP AND QUIT KICKING MY DAMN SEAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I had to hear, one more time....."what is the big deal with a Batman, this should have been called ..."The Joker, starring Heath Ledger"Don't get me wrong, Ledger did an amazing job....but alot of you runined it for the true fans, and your comment concerning "Men in tights" is down right obtuce AND INSULTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Your reference in regards to the Academy is incorrect as well....the Studio influneces the picks and how much jake the producer can generate, and has nothing to do with box office receipts. The Hype as you call it is then based on the budget left in PR and get the push in JANUARY FOR THE VOTING INFLUENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAARUGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! YOU ARE WAY OFF BASE ON THIS ONE 18.
Ivan A. Arcaya,Sr.

First, Christopher Nolan is a great director. I still watch Memento and it still fascinates every time. Second, I would not see a Batman Movie that doesn't have Christopher Nolan and Christopher Bale. Bale is Batman. Third, I think that the star of Memento, Guy Pierce, who has both the acting ability and the experience od working with Nolan is a good choice for next villain. Fourth, The Dark movies didn't start with The Comic Book Movies. Today's teenage and young adults want Dark movies. Saw V which is due on October 24, 2008 is just one of many examples. If anything; they are behind the trend towards dark movies and have just started to catch up with The Dark Knight Returns. Fifth, #29 is correct The Batman Comic and Detective Comics(The second Batman Comic) are dark and gritty. See for yourself; pick The Batman R.I.P. series. Sixth; I heard that Nolan likes The Riddler. Guy Pierce can do a dark Riddler. Finally; I am optimistic that Nolan will return even if it's to come with an ending that redeems Batman and makes him The Hero of Gotham.
D-9

You go Clover! And it this time it was not Butt-ons that set him off. Have to agree with Clover, 20 and 30. (Clover you were so mad, finally got to take it out on one of the Ledger-Posers as we were saying in line on opening day.) At least we have 3 or so years to wait for what happens next!
JL

Geez, can't we express ourselves without foaming at the mouth. Sure, comment #18 was way off base, but you have to consider the possibilities. I don't think Ledger's death put THAT many people in the seats, but it did generate buzz for the film. And many people would want to see the man's last complete work. I know I, for one, was very interested to see Ledger's Joker because it was his last complete performance. And I anticipate seeing the Terry Gilliam feature, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, that he was acting in when he died. Some of those other comments were just plain backwards, though. I mean #25 Kail, who said he was tired of the so called "dark comic" fad. That was just retarded. Batman is simply a dark character. It's not a fad, it's just always been that way... well, that old tv show was a little on the gay side. And I f-ing hate Robin. So gay.
Movieraider321

18 is simply dillusional guys, the end.
tronicIO

First of I would like to say that english is not my native tongue. I am sure I got some sentences wrong and misleading. Well it appears that a commenting system is not the appropriate way to discuss such matters. But please let me make it a bit clearer for you. And to keep it a bit shorter a numbered list would be in order: 1. They created a huge of buzz for the movie. As far as i can tell every newsstation from here to the fricking north-pole refered to that movie as "The last movie the deceased Heath Ledger completed ... " or something alike. It was all over the news when he died, wasn't it? It was all over the news when the movie started! 2. I most certainly DO know that the next movie will not be TDK2, but I thought it a good idea to call it like that. It sure is a bit shorter than "the next movie" or "the sequel" or "the movie that will star Christian Bale as Batman is is a direct successor to The Dark Knight, which just started", isn't it. I am sorry that appearently some people seem to feel insulted by that name. It was not my intention. 3. I read FS.net every other day and I DO know that Bale signed up for 3 movies. Although I don't know what that has to do with my previous post. 4. As for "men in tights". Actually that was a direct quote from a couple of "not-so-much-movie-buffs" as you and me appear to be. I don't like it either, but it makes you think about why people say something about such a brilliant movie. I like the score, I liked the script, I was really astonished to see Ledgers performance, but when you substract all that it is still Batman, it is still a comic. Again, it is really(!) good, but it now Kurosawa, Kubrick or Fellini flick. It's primary purpose is to be entertaining it has done that on the highest levels, but it is still Batman and some people (not me) just refer to Batman or Superman for that matter as "men in tights" although I think that's the wrong translation. 5. I was not implying anything towards the Academy, I was only saying that it common knowledge that a movie gets more attention after it received an Academy Award. This is, in short, only because the news report more about those. After all the Oscars are a big deal. I meant to compare that to the fact I stated in no. 1 above. 6. I said later that 25% have been a bit much. I was just a number for me, I did however try to explain myself and my thinking in post number 20! I think that 10% maybe less will be the correct amount. But still I think there are many! Let me give you an example: A friend of mine, she really loved watching movies starring Heath Ledger, but truely HATED every comic movie ever made. She didn't even wanted to see TDK, but did so after Ledger's death. @31: Please think about it, if there are that many people to whom you need to say "SHUT THE F*** UP AND QUIT KICKING MY DAMN SEAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", if there are so many people saying "what is the big deal with a Batman, this should have been called …'The Joker, starring Heath Ledger'" don't you start getting the fealing that THOSE are the people that are only there because it is Ledger's last complete(!) film? I mean I only meant to write about those ignorant bastards you mentioned. I know that most of the above will is still a matter of interpretation. I said before, that english is not my native tongue, but I don't think that ending sentences with 45 full-stops/exclamation marks isn't that much better. ^^ @34: Nope I have been a regular movie goer for more than 20 years now I have worked in a local video store for more than 10 years during high-school and university. I have seen more movies than all of my friends combined. I have seen and followed the box office stats for more movies than some other commentators here have watched in there live. So know I am not dillusional, I may only be plain old WRONG !!! Thank you.
memyselfandi

A good quote comes to mind "Why so serious?"
D-9

Hey "chronic" ummm tronic some of us are not smoking the hippie lettuce like you, and perhaps some of us on here are twice your age by your 20 year quote that is plain as day. AND leave Clover alone, you still make no sense. Your Oscar reference, still makes no sense at all. And the Bale reference and the TDK2 was in direct context of you not knowing there was Batman Begins. Oh my God, obvious, HELLO?! It was also obvious to everyone ( except you ) you touched a nerve with many of us. and thus the 45 full-stops/exclamation marks from Clover.....and the kicking you seat reference was ment for you! YOU do not GET IT! I do agree with one thing you say. YOUR WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(did you count these too?) Put the Pipe DOWN chonic!
Tony

Boy there are a lot of boneheads in this room. Okay,first off,Chris Nolan did NOT commit to three films. Bale,however,did. Nolan's wife produced The Dark Knight. Hell,she(Emma Thomas)produces all his movies! So Nolan does NOT have to come back. If he chooses not to direct a Dark Knight sequel(his decision entirely)then maybe Jonathan Nolan(his brother)will take up the mantle. Even if Chris chooses not to come back,do you honestly think that will stop the WB? Cetainly not,Batman is a money machine! Look how Batman outlived Superman! The Dark Knight beat Star Wars(HA HA)and is now number two behind the vastly overrated Titanic! Beating Star Wars was a feat in itself! As for all you assholes who say The Joker can't be done again because Heath died. Yes,it is tragic what happened to Heath. I miss him too! But Jesus life goes on! Have you guys caught Alan Cumming or Adrien Brody? Cumming played Nightcrawler in Xmen 2. Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist. Either one of these thespians is quite capable of picking up the late actor's mantle. And for that matter,wouldn't Johnny Depp put asses in the seats(as they say)if he were to step into Heath's shoes? I think Depp could pull in some Box Office. He put Pirates and Wonka on the chart! And Depp is a master. Edward Scissorhands,Sweeney Todd and the corrupt CIA agent from Once Upon A Time In Mexico to name a few! So even if Nolan doesn't return;and he doesn't have to really,there will be a sequel. Greed greases the wheels of the movie making machine...
Rick

yes, can't wait for this one, Dark Knight Returns, oh baby. Bring it, and bring back Christian Bale and Morgan Freeman, as well as Michael Cain and the Commisionner Gordon Gary Oldman. Katie Holmes should've come back for the sequel, but Maggie Gyllenhall pulled it off. It looks the Riddler is the villain, damn, can't wait for this one. Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's afraid of the big black bat...! yeah baby...!
Tony A.

It's not a definite. Nolan is on vacation. Warners is waiting on him. And the writers have not confirmed a thing! They are keeping us in the dark until all the hoopla passes. Reissues,noms,awards ,etc. Then we will know for certain,at least who the villains are.
Sammilky

a poster of depp as the riddler made by me http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/riddlerdepp-1.jpg
http://? Sammilky

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/deppridler3-1.jpg him w/ tie http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/deppridler4.jpg him w/ eye piece
Tony

Okay,not bad BUT get rid of that GOD awful eyepiece! Give Johnny some dark shades instead. That would be more hip. Give him a green derby hat with green gloves. And give him some red hair not black. The Riddler IS a redhead after all. Then see what you get. I love your Bat Logo! Ingenius!
http://? Sammilky

okay here he is with sun glasses(i don't think it's that great) http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/deppridler7.jpg and here he is with gloves( should i have made them more padded) http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/deppriddler5.jpg and here he is w/ both http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/deppridler6.jpg i like the orginal the most but... ps: sry couldn't find a hat i can warp to fit his head that looks good and i thought riddler had black hair cuz he has it in the comics i have
Tony

Sam,I showed your posters to my 12 year-old daughter. She loves Johnny Depp and she got a kick out of your vision! I liked the gloves and shades. Nice touch! I only suggested red hair because the original Riddler was red haired. As for hats,might I suggest a green derby hat. Cool concept,though!
http://? Sammilky

i am still trying to get more riddler comics i only have a few but i heard depp was gonna play the riddler in the sequel to the dark knight and i liked him in a pirates of the caribbean, sweeney todd, and finding neverland
Tony

Check Depp out in later episodes of 21 Jump Street. That's where he showed promise. Rent Ed Wood where he plays the cross-dressing film director! And watch him hold his own with Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco. Oh, and see if you can find the one-shot RIDDLER AND THE RIDDLE FACTORY.
Tony

Maybe Barnes And Noble might have a copy.
http://? Sammilky

i picked up riddler and the riddle factory and a 3 part storyline of riddler in dc comics 705-707
Tony

Excellent. Where's The Depster with red hair and full Riddler regalia? Show me, then show Nolan!
cesar

one word...heath ledger
cesar

sorry one name
Tony

Yes Cesar we all miss Heath. But let's not kill off the most imporatnt villain of Batman's Universe. It is tragic about Ledger but The Joker must live on. He and Batman have to meet again. It's destiny.
KOZ

I am 56...and have waited for a "real" world Batman. Nolan gave us this. A real Gotham (via Chicago), a real Batman with all his strenghts and weaknesses. And bad guys that could exist. Even the release of the vaporized water in the first movie is a potential terrorist concept. And Joker was a homicidal maniac, in a form that one could easily see in the real world of a large city. Nolan gave the Bat power, reality, and endurance. Nolan gave a hero that could exist in the real world. He found the essence of good and evil in he directing. To say that this would paint him in a corner is incorrect. It places him at the top of the food chain of capabilty, talent and skil in the directing world. I hope he makes many more. I hope he maintains the realism and integrity of the first two, in both story, setting and retaining the original cast. The cast is what makes us relate. Before Nolan, we had forgot who Batman was and watched the story and the characters become the "BIFF,BAM,and ZOWIE" of the campy ass TV show that it made me sick. Long live Nolan...His vision of The Bat, and the best cast that is now our family when we watch.
http://firstshowing.net c.j.

OH MY GOD PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TDK2 will be aswome nolan can top tdk by 5 million more veiwers. And the people who are saying that most people saw tdk just because of ledgers death. Thats bull crap. All of you that think that are not dedicated fans
Seth Steele

In response to #8 I disagree.....Spider-Man has the biggest array of villians that would be great on scren
Sammilky

I just made a fan poster of Johnny Depp as The Riddler in a The Dark Knight Sequel (Batman 3, Dark Knight Returns, Gotham City, The Caped Crusader) [send any feedback] Link: http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/Sammilky/?action=view&current=DarkKnight3-2.jpg