It had long been our understanding that Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale would make a trilogy of Batman films. Nolan has said in the past that he has no set story for a third and The Dark Knight is not the first in a two-part story. But we don't consider that an excuse and choose to ignore it.
EW spoke to Christian Bale recently and when the prospect of a third film was raised, he had the following to say. "Um, look, let's wait and see...You know, obviously the decision is out of my hands. I would, knowing the Dark Knight story, I would like very much to complete a trilogy. And I think that knowing the story of The Dark Knight, it leaves you anticipating something that really can get very, very interesting for a third. Now, the question would be: Is Chris going to be doing it? Because to me I find it tricky to imagine working on it without it being a collaboration with Chris."
That would actually appear to refute Nolan's statement that The Dark Knight is not a set-up for another film. Surely Nolan would want to round out his time on the franchise with three films? Leaving after two is just untidy and he wouldn't want someone coming along and doing a Schumacher to all his hard work.
Is there something we can do to persuade him? Should we send flowers? Muffins? A note saying that he has to make a third and put Catwoman in the next one and have either Angelina Jolie or Charlize Theron play her or we'll rub him with unsanded wood so that he gets splinters, which could become infected and cause great, great discomfort? 'Cos we'll do it.
Go to EW for the rest of the interview.