Even though Gary Oldman is actually working the press circuit right now in order to promote his much-buzzed about new film, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy (check back soon for Screen Rant‘s review), entertainment journalists just cannot refrain from trying to get the actor to spill the beans on his next project: the highly-anticipated Dark Knight Rises.
Oldman, for what it’s worth, has been quite willing to discuss director Christopher Nolan’s third Caped Crusader film, between his teasing it as an epic conclusion to Nolan’s Dark Knight saga and mentioning minor plot details that appear to hint at the movie’s comic book influences.
In a new interview with Crave Online, Oldman reiterates much of what he’s previously said about The Dark Knight Rises (ie. how it has an excellent plot, that Bane serves as a great villain in the film, etc.). However, on the topic of whether or not the movie feels like a proper conclusion to Nolan’s re-telling of the Bruce Wayne story, Oldman had something of particular interest to offer.
Here, to quote, is what Oldman told the site:
“Yeah, yeah. For us I think ['The Dark Knight Rises' is] the end. Whether they will make more, my guess is probably. I mean, they don’t have [the Harry Potter franchise] anymore. So, there could be a Batman 4 & 5. It may be Chris [Nolan] overseeing it in a producorial position, but for us and for Chris I think that’s it. It’s a great way to go out though. It’s a great story. Epic, epic thing it is.”
So, there are a couple of ways you could interpret Oldman’s comments here:
- While The Dark Knight Rises completely wraps up Bruce Wayne’s personal story arc (as re-envisioned by Nolan), Warner Bros. will undoubtedly make more Batman flicks in the future, be they part of a rebooted franchise and/or one that directly ties-in to the seemingly-inevitable Justice League movie.
- The Dark Knight Rises storyline could be continued on in future installments, which maintain the narrative continuity of Nolan’s trilogy.
Seeing how the Internet is currently ablaze with debates about whether or not Nolan will in fact have Bruce Wayne die by the conclusion of The Dark Knight Rises, Oldman’s statement may (or might not) hint at a definite answer to that question.
Will Batman still be standing after his battle against Bane in 'Dark Knight Rises'?
Warner Bros. previously announced its intention to maintain the Batman franchise as its DC comic book movie “centerpiece,” in the wake of The Dark Knight Rises‘ release. However, the studio has also made it know the series will be revamped, so that there can be crossovers between the Batman universe and other superhero series (Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.).
That’s all to say: chances are good we won’t see a significantly older Bruce Wayne after the backstory featured in Nolan’s Batman trilogy, regardless of whether or not the character sacrifices his life in the fight against Bane. So, best to not count on someone of age and stature like, say, Stephen Lang (Avatar, Terra Nova) donning the Caped Crusader’s cowl onscreen in the future.
Still – seeing how there’s been increased speculation of late that Nolan might be taking some pretty big cues from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns comic book in his final Batman flick, one has to wonder: Will The Dark Knight Rises nonetheless end on an ambiguous note that (partially) sets the stage for the film’s storyline to continue on in later installments? It certainly wouldn’t be the first non-clear-cut ending to a Nolan movie (see: Inception)…
-
The Dark Knight Rises hits U.S. theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Source: Crave Online
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No thanks. Let someone else take over Batman. Clean break.
Agreed. Assuming TDKR is on par with the rest of the trilogy (which I expect it will be), I’d rather them just leave it as a great trilogy. No need in milking the franchise and leaving a bad taste in people’s mouths after 3 great films (like Indiana Jones). Let them ruin a new, 3rd Batman franchise instead.
Or rather than ruin it, make a better one
Making a better one is fine, too, but I won’t be holding my breath for that (although it won’t be tough to make another franchise better than the Burton/Schumacher one).
I prefer Burton’s Batman films to Nolan’s. In fact I’d rather watch Batman Forever than The Dark Knight.
I can’t stand any of the film’s in that first Batman series. Even Burton’s “beloved” entries I find to be stupid. Batman Begins is probably the weakest film Nolan has ever made, but it’s still a good film, and in my opinion miles ahead of any of the previous Batman films.
I was not a fan of Burton’s Batman either. I tried to watch them a few months ago and I just couldn’t enjoy them because of how amazing the Nolan films are. Looking back I felt Burton’s Batman films were in some ways and also I just found them boring. I do realize that Nolan’s Batman has been in an breathtaking fist fights but the action in Nolan’s films is much more entertaining and the I found the story infinitely better than the older Batman movies.
Was there any action in The Dark Knight?
Some, but not much.
There was enough story to not have to over-emphasize the action. What did you want, a Transformers movie?
@ Agent Tom
It was all story. The Dark Knight is a boring watch, cut 25 minutes out, reduce the mass of sub plots, cut out the stupid Two Face ending and then it would be a good film.
Nolan was so focused on making it realistic that he forgot that he was making a Comic Book Movie. It is a perfectly servicable thriller, but its a poor Batman film.
Actually Dr. Sam, that’s what I liked about the film. IMO, comic book films have become formulaic. Something traumatic happens……that person get superpowers…..has to deal with dual identies…..a girl is involved……and that love interest gets kidnapped by the main villain and the hero has to save hero……final battle between hero and villain. Heck, even BB followed that formula. And yeah, some of those I listed di happen in TDK. But TDK felt more like a crime drama than your standard comic book film. At least to me.
It kind of reminds me of the same twist Nolan put on Inception. At it’s core, Inception is a heist film, but he puts a unique twist on it. The same was for TDK.
@Drsambeckett – I agree. Based on my own personal viewing, I watched the Dark Knight once in the theater and once on DVD (I own it too), but I have watched Burton’s films countless times. The only Batman film (including the Adam West campy versions) that I’ve watched less than The Dark Knight is Batman & Robin. I think Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker blinded viewers of the lack of action and surplus of boredom. I remember looking at my watch at theater…that’s never a good sign.
Congratulations you are the 1%.
Occupy Drsambeckett.
As an adult, I find Burton’s films great, a good blend of being both childish and mature.
Shumacher’s efforts are aimed squarely at a pretty young target audience, the way I see it, intended or not.
Nolan’s films are not intended for children at all, which was a risky move to take with comic book material, but I think they are excellent, BECAUSE they require more of an attention span to digest.
I’ll take plot over codpieces any day of the week.
Ha!
Fantastic!
you sir, win 100 internets.
Another thing, @drsambeckett, you aren’t stating facts as you believe, but mere opinions of yourself. What stupid two-face ending? That was the only way he could’ve ended it. The whole movie was about harvey! And every 10 minutes there’s an action sequence. I know, I timed it. I have seen the dark knight 27 times, and counting. I cried the first time I watched it, and it made me reevaluate my family and my life. It is, (IN MY OPINION), a beautiful piece of art, equivalent to the mona lisa or sistine chapel. The symbolism about life, betrayl, love, and loss, are so prominant, I’m surprised you didn’t see it.
The Joker kills almost 70 people. Counting all those who drown in the river, the cops he shot point blank, the scene where he fires his gun into the street at random, and all the murders he committed in the bank, (30+), there is so much villainy and action, it might as well be die hard with the joker. probably more than any other batman movie. You also in your complaints fail to define what a “Good” Batman movie really is. Surely not Batman & Robin? Also, there is no exact definition of “Comic book movie” so nolan can not follow standards that do not exist. He WAS making a superhero movie. THE GREATEST SUPERHERO MOVIE EVER. Once again, my opinion.
@B-List pornstar extra, you were more careful in your response to the film, and I think you have a few proper points. Yes, Heath’s portrayal was incredible, but I hardly think that that’s what made it a great film. Me personally? Aaron Eckhart’s portrayal of Two-Face in the last half hour of the film sold me. His descent into madness as the Joker hands him a pistol, and the build up in the interrogation room, (which may be the best acted scene in movie history), really made this a great movie. Maybe you prefer the fantasy batman, and thats great. My only question is if you didn’t enjoy the dark knight that much, why would you buy the movie?
and again, not understanding how you believed there was a lack of action here, because there was plenty. tDKR will probably include even more.
Please argue back when you feel the urge to rant at me.
Of course it’s my opinion. It can only be my opinion. I wouldn’t rank the Dark Knight in my top 5 favourite Batman films.
1. Mask Of The Phantasm
2. Batman (89)
3. Batman Begins
4. Batman Returns
5. Batman Forever
@ Dr.SamBeckett
I wouldn’t rank TDK as my top 5 neither even though i did enjoy it. But enjoyed it less a year later.
Id probly rank the movies the same except in this order.
1. Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm
2. Batman(89)
3. Batman Returns ]
} Batman Returns & Batman Begins= Tied
4. Batman Begins
5. Batman Forever
Mask of phantasm is animated though, isn’t it? If we’re broadening the scope away from live action than we might as well include novels as well. (As a craft there is as much difference between novels and films as between animation and live action imo).
I’d go…
1. No Man’s Land (novel)
2. TDK
3. Begins
4. Returns
5. Batman (89) tied with Batman: Year One (animated)
yet to see phantasm, will have to check it out…
@Sambo
Not the same. Novels are a different medium than movies. Animated movies falls under the same category as movies. Just a different style.
Hence the “as a craft” and “imo” components of my statement. In discussing the films as they relate to their directorial efforts, animation and live action become incomparable. Take it how you like though.
I have seen ‘phantasm’ btw, didn’t remember the title though. My revised list if I drop the novel would be -
1. TDK
2. Begins
3. Returns
4. ’89
5. Batman: Year One and Mask of Phantasm tied.
JDirk- I bought it because I love Batman. I never said TDK was a bad movie, it just isn’t a movie that I want to watch repeatedly. I compare it to the Usual Suspects, Inception, Se7en, or the Sixth Sense. All excellent movies in their first watch, but a second viewing starts to get boring, and if you get to a third, you’re bored out of your mind. Perhaps I prefer Burton’s version because of the nostalgia (I was 11 when I saw it in the theater), but I know I’ve watched Iron Man 7 or 8 times (compared to TDK’s 2 viewings). And that film came out in the same summer.
Really? You liked Iron Man THAT much? I liked the sequel, but I can’t stand to watch the movie after the test flight scene. From there on the movie just sucks.
I remember reading somewhere (like 10 comments up) someone (you) writing “you aren’t stating facts as you believe, but mere opinions of yourself.” Your opinion is that it “sucked” when in fact it didn’t have that same effect for all viewers. I don’t care if you’re opinionated and want state your ideas as factual, but don’t be condescending towards other people’s comments if you can’t follow your own rules.
I’m sorry dude, I misspoke is all, no need to get down on me. What I meant was that I believe that the fight between Jeff Bridges and Tony Stark was completely one-sided, and it wasn’t my cup of tea. I’d prefer a more dramatic choice between saving your own life, or saving many others, and the tension between both parties of that scenario. Such is perfected in TDK.
Where do you think the franchise should go next?
I’d like to see a semi-reboot. There is no need to do the origin story again, but I would like Batman to revisit with the Joker. While Ledger portrayed a psychotic terrorist very well, he lacked the high intelligence that the Joker has. In Burton’s film, the Joker showed intelligence by being a chemist. Actually, that film showed Batman’s intelligence by finding a cure. And that’s why I love Batman in the comics, in a world of super-powered villains (and heroes) this one regular man stands up against them with only his wits and some sweet gadgets (those wonderful toys). But in the next franchise for the Bat, I’d like to see a Joker even more sadistic and intelligent than we’ve seen before…more sadistic may be hard to do. But I’d like a combo between Nolan’s and Burton’s versions.
Unless Nolan leaves it open for an older Batman and a Batman Beyond storyline. Then, bring Clooney or Keaton back because they have the experience and Clooney deserves retribution for Batman & Robin.
I agree with the Clooney thing, but I don’t think he’ll go for it. I think that the joker was VERY intelligent in the dark knight. Remember the Ballistics thing? That was all planned out. WOW. He was SMART! He also planned the whole psychotic Two-Face thing from the Assassination of the mayor all the way until the burning of the cash. All of that was part of a grand scheme. He was SMARTER than Jack Nicholson’s Joker. My opinion is they should do a reboot without it being a reboot, NO ORIGIN story, (agreed), give kind of a spider-man 2 sort of vibe. Bring back Danny Elfman as composer. I think they should keep Michael Caine as alfred, but recast everyone else, and do a Riddler remake, (Guy Pearce), and the sequel should be about Hush.
Thoughts?
lol!! Thats the funniest thing I’ve heard all day…thanks!!
You’re kidding, right?
Hard to tell if this was directed at my comment… BUT
Kidding about 1% of people liking Batman Forever better than TDK? Nope.
That’s the whole problem with continuing making Batman films, people are have the mindest that Nolan has created the definitive Batman saga, and that noone will ever be able to top it. Like I said below, I love Nolan’s Batman films so far, but there is potential for another director to make a great Batman film or franchise. If that person (and the studio) stays to the character of Batman, then it’s very possible. I loved the Burton films. The reason for that franchise falling apart wasn’t Schumacher or Burton, but WB. THEY were the ones who wanted to make Batman campy, and targeted towards kids. Why…..merchandising as Yogurt from Space Balls put it. They made a film in mind of making toys for kids to buy.
But that’s not Batman. He’s not the Adam West style version. He’s not a fun character. Batman is a dark, serious character, with serious villains. Nolan and Burton understood that. Heck, if you look at the director’s cut of Batman Forever, then you would see that even Schumacher understood that simple concept. The problem was he had to do what the studio told him. If not, then he would have been booted off.
I love the idea of another directorial approach to the series. That is how comic books are too. New writers and artists each tackle the character with their own perspective. Let Nolan finish his story and then hand the cowl off to the next creative team.
Exactly!
first of all, Indiana Jones 4 rocked, it was spielberg’s idea, so don’t say they milked it, paramount never made him do anything. Temple of Doom was awful. the rest to me were fantastic. And Indiana Jones is hardly the perfect trilogy. Maybe the Matrix, MAYBE Star Wars, but the most perfect trilogy to date to me is the Lord of the Rings. Finally, you cannot get better than The Dark Knight trilogy. It’s already perfect. Warner’s can’t and won’t make a better one because that’s simply impossible. They’ll NEVER do the joker again, and probably not Two-Face for awhile also. They’ll probably take it in a different direction thats all. I think it would be best to go the spider-man route and make it a simply unrealistic view of reality, rather than tim burton’s fantasy, or Nolan’s complete realism. But they’ll still wait awhile. They’ll have a boatload after tDKR to work with, so my guess is don’t expect to see batman again for awhile.
indiana jones 4 was georges lucas idea
Actually it was almost exclusively Frank Darabont’s, from his script Indiana Jones and The Saucer Men. The fridge nuking scene came from his earlier script.
@”Seeing how the Internet is currently ablaze with debates about whether or not Nolan will in fact have Bruce Wayne die by the conclusion of The Dark Knight Rises”
That really doesn’t matter to be honest. TDKR takes place 8 years after TDK. WB could easily make a trilogy that is set in between those 8 years. I’m tired of reboots like anybody, but I say they stick with the planned reboot rather than having another director take over. That person would have to be able to stick with Nolan’s vision for the character. I’m much more interested in them ditching the “realistic” take.
I loved BB and TDK, but Nolan’s realistic take really restricts what villains can’t be used. No Mr. Freeze (Great character if you ignore what Batman and Robin did, and look at the animated series), Clay-face, Man-bat, and other characters.
Agreed. Always wanted to see Clayfacw in live action. And Mr Freeze could be brilliant if done properly.
Clayface was brought to life on the small screen once in the the CW show Birds of Prey although I don’t know if would I say the performance was amazing.
Given a big budget, think of how awesome the character could be.
Yeah if they did him like they did in Arkham City he would be awesome.
Exactly. Arkham City showed that you can use the more fantastical villains without it being camp.
Mr freeze COULD work, if done properly, give him a sick wife and weapons that use liquid nitrogen and a protective suit that lets him use it, leave out that he cant live without it being sub-zero…
Riddler: (watch the riddler blogs on youtube) Split personality
Penguin: Weapons dealer (I imagine it rains alot in gotham, so umbrellas with machine guns in them would be good for an assassination)
Black Mask: Crime boss (hires penguin?)
Clayface: Master of disguse instead of a giant monster
Hugo Strange: Leave him like he is in the comics
Victor Zazzzzz (whatever): Working for Strange to draw batman out?
Onamiapia (I cant spell, the guy who makes noises): I think he could work VERY well
Deadshot: hired assassin, maybe working with strange? Black mask? riddler?
Harley Quinn: since there most likely wont show joker again, untill someone revisions it that is, she could have this fasination of joker and is trying to be like him?
That is at least three more movies right there, and with Freeze, Victor, onamiapia, and deadshot, there would be some action too
Nolan, let me have a shot to write some future story about batman, one chance…
Your ideas sound kinda wack.
How could Warner Bros. “easily make a trilogy that is set in between those 8 years”? Batman hasn’t been around, so what do you think Brucie would be doing in this trilogy?
That’s only what the people here at Screenrant wrote. The only details Nolan has revealed was that the film will take place 8 years after The Dark Knight. Nothing else about the plot has been revealed.
With all the info we know of the film right now, that’s an easy assumption. WB could make a trilogy of films telling what happened within that time period.
They could, but they shouldn’t
They shouldn’t have made Batman and Robin, they did….just saying.
Actually, they could make any number of films (as long as the money keeps coming in), and have them be stand alone stories without any specific time frame. All they have to do is keep in mind that it takes place before TDKR and after TDK.
Nightwing is being introduced to carry on the storyline
Actually, with his involvement as a young police officer (and not as Hugo Strange), I could see JGL taking over for Bale as Batman should Bane break the bat as he did in the comic
Also since they are making Bruce old one to continue would be to go with the Batman Beyond stoyline and Terry Mcguiness take over as Bats and still have Old Bruce be like his mentor. I enjoyed the animated Batman Beyond animated series and if done right I believe it would be very entertaining on the big screen. Or they could always just reboot if so I would love them to keep the wonderful darker tone that Nolan’s films have done so well, but throw in more “super-powered” villains like Mr. Freeze for instance. Of course they should not pick an certain former governor for the job again.
I agree. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: But now’s the time to start up with Batman Beyond.
It has almost all the elements that Hollywood is loving right now. Since they’re still focusing on their bread and butter… the younger moviegoers… Batman Beyond allows them to have younger actors aboard and also full-on sci-fi elements. So while Nolan’s Batman movies were grounded in realism, Beyond can go a bit crazy with futuristic technology and out-there bad guys. They can use the likes of Clay Face, Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, etc.
It took many years for batman in the comics to become the dark, gritty caped crusader we love, (cause of all the campiness and dorkiness in previous cartoons tv and movies). A Batman Beyond film would be good, but it needs to develop more in the comics. I mean, Nolan may have a realistic approach, but he borrowed elements from the comics.
@Hiro
I agree man! If they were to do it right, the Dark Knight Rises could easily be tied into the Terry McGinnis saga….If Christian Bale did a cameo in the movie as a 67 year old Bruce Wayne that would be sick!!!!!
Batman Beyond is in the future, that reason alone makes Batman Beyond unlikely, Don’t turn this to another post modern movie wherein we use today’s dated technology for future events. Batman Beyond should develop more in the comics in order to have a theme or plot to adapt in the movie.
Also Nolan’s trilogy revolves around a YOUNG Bruce Wayne, how can that be easily tied to Batman Beyond when Bruce is only about in his late twenties? Terry’s orgins is complicated, seeing as he is the result of Project Cadmus, and Cadmus hasn’t been introduced in ANY live action film.
It’d be cool to see a much older, haggard batman, with design by Paul Pope.
I would love to see a series of standalone films that are not necessarily sequels. Batman’s mythos is so rich that it lends itself to limitless possibilities. I personally would love to see a highly stylized noirish film set in 1939-1940 with the original Bob Kane/Bill Finger look, shot in a style similar to “Sky Captain.”
Batman Beyond.
Clint Eastwood as Bruce
Jensen Ackles as Terry
There’s your new Batman.
Might be hard to get Clint Eastwood but as a dream pick then hands down he would perfect. Jensen Ackles definitely could see him as Terry, he can do the action, supernatural has shown us he be headstrong, cocky, and funny so I agree 100%.
Or even Bale in old man make up, it would be cool to tie it all together like that.
That’s actually not a bad idea…especially if aNolan is involved..
Eastwood proved in his last acting role that he can still be a badass and playing an older Batman or Bruce Wayne would be very cool….Plus the similarities between him andBale are too great not to miss,
I would also say for older Bruce possibly Josh Brolin. He is a great actor and they could make him look a bit older. But only if WB can do a mind wipe of everyone and make them forget Jonah Hex. I would also throw in Jeffrey Dean Morgan possibly when he really gets into a role like in Watchmen he is fantastic and he would be old enough or they could age him a little more.
Isn’t Ackles kind of short? Maybe the other guy, the brother?
I think he only looks short because Jared is very tall.
He has the right temperament for Terry, the only thing is that he’s probably too old to play a teenage Terry.
I think Stephen Lamg would be a better fit now than Eastwood. Ten years ago I would say bring on Eastwood.
I personally think that any possible sequels would be the perfect opportunity for a live action Batman Beyond film.
I don’t like the idea of a batman beyond film right now. Bruce Wayne Batman has a vast array of interesting villains and story arcs, Batman Beyond is only in its 1st decade, compared to Bruce Wayne that started in late 1930′s. Plus, if they are going to make a Batman Beyond film, I anticipate that the villain would be one of Bruce Wayne’s old enemies, not Terry’s, because the general public are unaware of Terry’s enemies in the cartoons.
Batman Beyond needs another 20 years and a lot of original villains to have that familiar feeling when you’re watching the film.
Yeah actually I’m wondering why no one has suggested that maybe JGL may be taking up the cowl, perhaps even as Nightwing??
While Nolan has tweaked some interesting things with the Batman universe (I believe he changed the name of the guy who murdered Bruce’s parents) JGL’s character John Blake “appears” to be a character made solely for the film. Unless the name is sn alias I don’t believe we will see Nightwing in this trilogy. Also Mr. Nolan has stated he would not have Robin in his films and Nightwing was Robin before he became Nightwing so while that would amazing to have him I don’t see it as a real possibility.
A boy can dream can’t he? =p
Maybe they could have it that Bruce trained Robin in the intervening 8 years… Then they could have Nightwing.
or they could ignore the robin idea entirely and cut straight to nightwing. They changed the origin of two-face, why not nightwing? I think nightwing could be really cool in a nolanized universe. @jacob, Chris didn’t cange the name of the parents killer, his name was always Joe Chill.
Because that theory is mentioned 800 billion times a week on the 27 million Dark Knight Rises rumor articles written. My numbers may be off.I’m not an accountant.
All these complaints about nobody topping Nolan’s vision reminds me of when people thought Jack Nicholson (sp?) thought he had the definitive take on The Joker, but Heath Ledger came in and gave an even better performance.
I never liked Nicholson’s Joker anyway. To me he was always playing Jack Nicholson, not the Joker. Ledger, on the other hand, was fantastic in the role. But still, I think it’s stupid to not want anyone else to play the part again.
I agree. They can’t make a Batman franchise w/o using The Joker at some point, and Heath Ledger certainly can’t reprise it. But what I’m getting at is people think that only Nolan can make a good Batman film, but will change their minds if that person does end up topping it. In the same fashion that nobody thought Ledger could ever top Nicholson (sp?).
The point is that we should at least give someone a chance at making a good Batman film rather than condeming that person’s vision w/o even knowing who that person is, or what their vision is.
I have no problem with someone else making a Batman series. I just want them to start fresh rather than continuing (and messing with) Nolan’s continuity.
I don’t think either of them got it completely right, combine the two performances and then you’ve got the Joker. I want to see the truly psychotic Joker, the one who cripples Barbara Gordon and kills Robin. The films have never gone there… Not yet.
@ DRSAMBECKETT at least Jack Nicholson’s Joker could keep me awake when i watch the movie!
I also agree i enjoyed burton’s first batman over nolan’s dark knight not sayin it was bad,because it wasn’t, but i owned the dark knight & after about a year i got bored with it & practicly gave it away not to mention i still own the first batman & have had it for about 4 years & it’s not going anywhere.
@ pawn65
I always thought Nicolson’s Joker had a better laugh throughout the film. Ledger’s Joker laughs just didn’t feel right. Only good laugh he had i thought was his interrogation with Batman beaten him around.
@ Dr.SamBeckett
Agreed. Combine the two actor’s Joker’s & you got one great Joker. Imo, see Mark Hamill’s Joker as that combination.
Personally I WOULD like to see Stephen Lang do several of the Batman movies as well as giving it a more ‘detective’ feel and storyline. Guys? ~ Happy Holidays! – Stark
lol, me too.
Batman sells movie tickets as Bruce Wayne, nightwing etc would not have as much sucess in my opinion. There are still many villians to look at – Riddler, Mad Hatter, Zassz, Penguin, Mr Freeze – there is plenty of time in this franchise, no need for yet another re-boot!!
What it needs is a quasi reboot, keep the continuity and Michael Caine, but with a new actor as Batman, they did that in the old films. No reason they couldn’t do that here.
And use some more interesting villains, throw in a bit of horror and fantasy.
IMO, onimiapia (I cant spell without my coffee, sorry) could be SUPER creepy in a live action movie if done right… just making sounds and confusing batman, “Was that a leaky faucet? Or the guy trying to kill me?”
If done right, CREEPY…
If they’re gonna continue in Nolan’s franchise, then they need to keep with the same tone and feel. Batman Forever (although, I did have fun with that film)/Batman and Robin, Spider-man 3 are just a couple of examples how changing the tone midway doesn’t really work.
I agree DSB, a soft reboot is what I’m hoping they go with, very much in line with what the James Bond franchise has done time and time again. A loose continuity between films would be a nice way of “continuing” the story while allowing for a different take on the character. It actually sounds very much like what is done in comics all the time.
Never know if they never try!
Hi guys… Just to throw my hat into the ring, I agree 100% with Dr. Sam (although as I trawled through these comments from the top I was ASTOUNDED to see he (she? Sam could be a woman I guess…) preferred Burtons films over the current Nolan trilogy… I was first in line back in 1989 to see Batman but it has dated terribly, and even at the time the action was awkward. Many things to admire in those two movies (the set design and Michael Keaton being the best) but the whole thing looked like it was shot on a (pretty small) lot (it was- the car chases scenes were pitiful, going “around the block” over and over again), and I HATED the music; apart from The Simpsons theme, EVERY Danny Elfman score sounds the same….. But back to agreeing, I would have loved to have seen Clint in his (older) prime as Batman in Millers Dark Knight Returns…..however, if the character WAS to come back now as an older mentor a la Batman Beyond, then Eastwood would be PERFECT.
Dr Sam is a guy lmao
I prefer Burtons Batman movie over Nolans any day to!
BATMAN BEYOND!!!
there is no argument u could make against any on Nolan’s batman films. they are literary perfect in every aspect. just try and compare another comic book movie to it i dare u. Nolan made these movies for adults not children. every other comic movie to date has been for then under 5 crowd so parents will take there kids. ghostrider GL, spiderman, daredevil, xmen,F4, it goes on and on. about time someone made a movie for adults, instead of ruining a movie so parents will take there kids to go c it. all of those movies have epic potential but allways dumbed down so kids can go. most epic fail in history was GL that could and has the most potential out of any other comic book. could have been so so so so so epic.
If I had the time, I could make a list of things wrong with most of Nolan’s films, The Prestige being the only exception, no one makes a perfect movie and certainly not Chris Nolan.
There’s no such thing as a “perfect movie”.
Yes there is, it’s called Inception. Best movie there ever was. The Dark Knight is right behind it.
Point out ONE flaw in the Dark Knight I DARE you.
By the time I’m done, you won’t even remember what you pointed out in the first place.
There is no perfect movie. I say this as someone who really loves Nolan’s films.
In TDK, it’s a little unclear which 5 people Harvey killed. Rachel was a weak character. The ferry scenes drag a bit. I promise you that there are more.
You wanna play, lets play.
1. That absurd ballistics test to recover fingerprints from the bullets. One of the dumbest things I have ever seen.
2. The Ferries. Clearly, given that there were two of them, good and bad, that was originally part of the earlier script which focused more on Two Face than the Joker.
3. Bale’s growling, at times you can barely understand what he is saying.
4. Rachel was a terrible character in BB and just as bad in TDK. The best thing they did was blow her up.
5. Two Face. Batman killed him after a few minutes of screen time, by pushing him off a ledge. So Batman killed Harvey Dent. Batman doesnt kill people!
6. The audiences reintroduction to Batman is that scene with the Scarecrow, total waste of reusing the character, and boring. Why not have had Batman chasing him through the Narrows, or something like that?
I have more but I’ve got so much work to do.
You know what I find funny? People whine that Superman was a “stalker” in Superman Returns, but never notice how Bruce Wayne is more of a stalker to Rachael Dawes in BB and TDK. It just shows you that many just purposely ignore the flaws in Nolan’s films. You wonder why we call it a “Cult of Nolan”? Well, that’s why.
Never thought of Batman killing Dent. I always thought he was talking him, sacrificing himself and Dent to save the boy, which is something Batman would do. However, if Batman survived the fall, why didn’t Dent survive? Lazy writing and conclusion in my opinion.
Dent may have died on that ledge but two face is still alive, I have no doubt there will be a cameo
okay, you have a few valid points, but some of them are absurd. First of all, I thought Rachel was a great character, whil not portrayed very well was crucial and importantt to the story, and really filled out Batman Begins. I don’t think Katie should’ve abandoned the role, because as great of an actress maggie gyllenhaal is, she did not bring those chops to TDK. I thought Two-Face was portrayed perfectly, by the perfect actor, and you are correct, Batman does not kill people, but he was driven to desperation where no other options remained but to push harvey away, saving Gordon’s sons life. I enjoyed the scarecrow scene, despite the fact that a rainy alleyway in the narrows would’ve been an equally aweasome scene, I enjoyed the batman posers, because that is exactly what would occur in real life. A spawn of random vigilantism.
How did you not like the ballistics scene? It was really cool. It also shows how smart the joker is by being able to plan out that whole scene. As for the boats thing, the joker emphasized the idea of “Choice” throughout the entire film. the boat choice is just another example of that; allowing gotham to choose its own fate and prove its desperation and true heartlessness. while the skyscraper scen wasn’t executed as well, iut really defined the human race and the film very nicely. I see what you mean by the two-face good and bad boats, but I think that’s pure coincidence.
At least agree with me on one point:
That Heath Ledger was the best Joker of all time?
Heath Ledger is in a three way tie for best Joker with Cesar Romero and Jack Nicholson.
Granted, Caesar romero was good, but I don’t think he holds a candle to Nicholson or Ledger.
Besides the white painted mustache, his over-the-top campiness is what made the guy was great in his day. Just like Nicholson’s one liners in his role at the time and Ledger’s sadistic, yet realistic, terrorist for modern times. For each of their eras, each actor portrayed the Joker to the best of their abilities. Therefore, a three way tie.
Yeah, I guess you’re right, I’m only referring to acting Power. Who won the oscar, or more importantly, who was nominated? Bc it could be argued that heath only won due to his death, although I do not share that sentiment. At least the brilliance was properly acknowledged in a nomination. I personally would’ve vouched for Aaron Eckhart getting nominated for the same movie, but that’s just me.
If we’re looking for an older more mature Batman, I suggest Jim Caviezel.
Watchmen? Definitely not made for kids. Punisher? Definitely not made for kids.
Most of them are rated PG-13 (which is what TDK and BB was rated). They aren’t made for kids, they’re made from teenagers (those that attend movies the most).
Daredevil was made for kids 5 and under? What type of parent would take their 5 year old to see Daredevil or Ghostrider?
Look, I’m a huge fan of Nolan’s Batman films and Nolan’s films in general. But they aren’t 100% perfect.
true watchmen being the only exception, that was a fantastic movie in my top 3 for sure. i think F4 had to be G. and xmen what a waste that franchise was. they need to have 2 versions of every movie they make. 1 for adults with all the blood action and sex. then a very dumbed down version that makes no sense for the kids bc they r not following any kind of story just pretty pictures.
You mention blood and sex, but BB and TDK had none of that. Besides, how does that actually make a film better?
BTW, the second Fantastic Four was PG, the first was PG-13.
I’d like to see a quasi reboot with a new Batman inline with the new DCU. Tell the stories between TDK and TDKR with a new Bruce Wayne. If not, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Batman Beyond interpretation. Or if Bruce is killed, which would make some sense, I would like to see Dick Grayson take over the mantle, if he was introduced in this film, which he may not be.
Perhaps make a Death in the Family, set inbetween TDK and TDKR and have Jason Todd reborn and return to take over the Batman mantle. The world will always need a Batman.
rafter
every seat in my theater was filled with kids 5 and under in both daredevil and ghostrider.parents are not what they used to b these days. and times have changed. a 5 year old in this day in age knows more about the world than a adult who grew up 30 years ago.
ghost
was not referring to batman. and it wont necessarily make a movie better but it defiantly cant hurt. and u get what im saying about F4 it was directly made for very young children.
@”every seat in my theater was filled with kids 5 and under in both daredevil and ghostrider.parents are not what they used to b these days. and times have changed.”
So? There were kids in the theater when I saw Freddy vs. Jason. A rated R film with blood and sex that definitely wasn’t made for kids. There were a bunch of old people when I saw Transformers. There were kids that saw both of Nolan’s Batman films.
@”a 5 year old in this day in age knows more about the world than a adult who grew up 30 years ago.”
I agree. Kids today are soo much more sophisticated than they were 30 years ago. And that argues against them BB and TDK being more mature for them to see.
You act as if Nolan’s films are on some level that only a certain crowd can understand. They’re just films. I bet there’s 10 year olds out there can follow Inception perfectly without getting lost.
Hmm….. Then this must mean that Batman does NOT die correct? :/
yup =D
No more sequels! If TDKR is “The Epic Conclusion” how could there be more sequels? Do a half reboot (NO ORIGIN REHASH) with Batman and the villains more like how they are in Arkham City. In the reboot, Batman should be active in Gotham for years (so characters like Nightwing, Tim Drake’s Robin, and Oracle can be shown) Gotham looks GOTHIC (one of the many irritating things absent from Nolan’s movies), and a Batman who can actually fight(jujitsu kicks and flipping over dudes kind of stuff). The fight scenes in TDK were dreadful. Use more “bigger than life” enemies too. Arkham City managed to used the supernatural/sci-fi characters while still being dark (something I’ve been trying to explain to geeks on CBM.com for FOREVER)
I’m glad people are finally speaking against ‘The Dark Knight’. I, for one, didn’t like the film the first time I saw it in theatres – and I liked it even less when I watched it again on Blu-ray. I think the biggest problem for me is the fan-boys themselves; they go on and on about how great ‘The Dark Knight’ is and it seems every film that had been released since has been compared to ‘The Dark Knight’. It really pisses me off and in fact, just makes me hate the film even more. That’s why I enjoyed ‘Green Lantern’ – it understood it was a comic book movie and it didn’t try to be anything more or take itself too seriously, as a result however you get people saying “Oh, it wasn’t as good as ‘The Dark Knight’” and blah, blah, blah, wah, wah, wah. Seriously, grow up – ‘The Dark Knight’ is an average film at best and I just fail to see how people are still so mezmerized from it.
In my opinion, Nolan hasn’t made a decent film since ‘The Prestige’ which is his best and most underrated film. I love ‘Memento’ but that comes second (JUST) for me. I think Nolan should go back to smaller budget films. Just my two cents.
A comic book movie based on one of the best superheroes regarding subplots, dark grittiness, and interesting plotlines, can’t be good? No. just no. Green lantern was terrible. Saying “it’s based on a comic book.” doesn’t give an excuse to make a terrible movie.
You completely missed the point I was trying to make, but whatever…
Don’t worry, I completely understood what you were saying. Because I totally agree with you.
And Green Lantern was great, at least it remembered that CBM’s are supposed to be fun!
@ DrSamBeckett
Agreed with the 2nd sentance. That’s why i really enjoyed Marvel Studio’s films to date. There’s a balance in those films of realism/fun that made them great to watch.
Personally id like to see a new batman. While the gritty realism is what drives this series and i love it im not a fan of Bale. Id like to see joker back into his campy ways (though i utterly love TDK joker) i find the joker in Arkham city or arkham asylum to follow the comics more. Yes the new bane look will fit into the series but atleast the other characters looked like their comic counter parts. I mean seriously two faces’ eyeball would have fallen out a few times during his rants. But he was cinematically appealing. This bane i wont pass judgement on until i see it on the screen but so far kinda meh about it.
Nolan is a great director. One of the best out there right now just because he has a great artistic eye for cinematography. No beef there.
I guess it all boils down to replace Bale and keep nolan on as an artistic director.
Did you really think they would not continue making batman films whether they do a continuty or a reboot it’s gonna happen & bet’cha bottom dollar the next villian will be the riddler,count on it
Or they could always introduce robin, become Nightwing and have him take over as batman when bruce goes missing. And yeah after seeing how the riddler is in the games its a shame he couldnt make it into the movies that way.
The waiting on big budget movies sorta saps the fun out of it for me.
Too be there’s no independent lower budget Batman movies. They could do more with less.
edit: “Too bad there is no…”
You wanna know what’s been the bread and butter of this trilogy? The realistic approach that so many are against!
If I see any campy Bat flicks after this trilogy concludes, I will have to take some hostages. But seriously, too many people’s knowledge of Batman goes back, only to the Adam West series. That wasn’t Batman. Yes, Chris Nolan took quite a few liberties but they were for the best. What Chris Nolan did was what Frank Miller did years ago. He gave us the real Batman after so many tried to re-image him as something he wasn’t. I can’t wait for this summer.
Having read a lot of the posts here and not being a comic book reader myself (last comic I read was in 1984 – Transformers), I have to say that here in the UK comic book sales are very very low and compared to the population I would imagine its the same stateside. To me, Batman IS Bruce Wayne only – sold back story that has never changed or deviated like a lot of the comic book superheros. So having heros and villans that only a small (%) of the population knows about will only fill the movie theatre on the opening night, no staying power and no potential for sequals – Hollywood is all about the $! Bringing in someone new would not encourage me to go watch a Batman movie and having just finished Arkam Sity for the second time there are so many villians! I see there are a few haters of Nolan and TDK, I’m not a fanboy, I just enjoy good films and I consider TDK a very good movie. I know nothing about The Green Lantern having never read about it – as a movie it sucked, and seriously so – I did not expect much having read a few comments and the review on here.
Sorry for all the spelling mistakes!! Fast typing at work!
Very intriguing…
Obviously they’ll make more Batman movies (to date it seems like the only character DC can actually successfully adapt into a movie – IMO
), but I doubt they’ll continue on with “Nolan’s Batman”.
My guess is, they’ll have a semi-reboot (probably a full reboot though) of the Batman-flicks.
Batman (Bale) dies, gets thrown into the Lazarus Pit and ‘hey presto’ Joseph Gordon Levitt walks out!! Easy.