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Christopher Nolan to produce 'Justice League', Christian Bale to return as Batman?

By

Chris Begley

·

on Christopher Nolan to produce 'Justice League', Christian Bale to return as Batman?

Nothing like a HUGE story to kick off the launch of Batman News 2.0. I can't even believe I'm about to write this... but Warner Bros. is reportedly about to put some life into their failed Justice League project. We recently learned that Will Beall's script has been scrapped, and they were going back to the drawing board. El Mayimbe of Latino Review is back with another huge scoop! According to El Mayimbe, Christopher Nolan's new role at Warner Bros. is to oversee all developments of their superhero properties. Like he did on Man of Steel, Nolan will "Godfather" and produce the upcoming Justice League movie. But that's not all...

Last May, Bale told Empire Magazine that if Christopher Nolan came to him with a good story, he'd be willing to play Batman again. The plan right now is to have Christian Bale reprise his role as Batman and join Henry Cavill's Superman. Warner Bros. feels like their back is against the wall... and has to do something huge in order to compete with Marvel's The Avengers. El Mayimbe suggests that a scene following Man of Steel's credits could involve Superman finding a "retired" Bruce Wayne, and persuading him to join his "team". If that happened, El Mayimbe says fanboys would squeal like 13 year old girls at a Justin Bieber concert... and I think he might be right!

Check out the video above for all the details and hit up Latino Review at the source link below for the full story. And for those who are skeptical about this report... Latino Review has been a great source of Warner Bros. movie news. They were the first website to report that Heath Ledger had been cast as The Joker and that Brandon Routh would be Superman in 2006's Superman Returns. Do you like the idea of Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan teaming up again for Justice League? Or would you prefer Warner Bros. went a different route? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to Batman News for all the latest Justice League updates.

SOURCE: Latino Review

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This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com

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  1. Vinny M. Avatar
    Vinny M.

    There is no one on earth I'd like to see play Batman in Justice League more than Christian Bale. I never thought it possible, therefore I never weighed in with my opinion. New blood would have been great if they'd cast the right guy. But my God... Bale and Cavill teaming together after Man of Steel redefines superhero movies the way the Dark Knight did? Marvel won't stand a chance...

    1. Aristo Kratte Avatar
      Aristo Kratte

      Man of Steel can't redefine superhero films. The Dark Knight and Iron Man both showed that you can make good super hero films that are more serious. Man of Steel will be continuing that tradition, but it won't redefine super hero films. Also, Marvel doesn't stand a chance? They already won round one. Avengers was the most successful super hero film of all time and they have 6-7 new films in the works. DC has one officially - Man of Steel.

      1. Banjo Avatar
        Banjo

        Iron man was not a serious comic movie. Marvel sucks, it doesn't matter how many movies they make.

        1. Matt Pierce Avatar
          Matt Pierce

          Um, what? Iron Man was plenty serious. Iron Man is NOT as dark a character as Batman and the Iron Man movie was still very good. Grow up.

          1. TRINI REAPER Avatar
            TRINI REAPERreplying to Matt Pierce

            You're having a Iron Man discussion in a Justice League topic? Good job.

          2. Deees Avatar
            Deeesreplying to Matt Pierce

            In the comics Iron man, in many ways was every bit as dark. He was a goddamn alcoholic! You grow up bitch face,

          3. Andrew Avatar
            Andrewreplying to Matt Pierce

            Iron man was decent but not at all on the same level as the dark knight series at all. First one was good but even still not the same pedigree. Iron man 2 SUCKED XD it was cheesy and pointless. Dark knight however was the best movie of the year everyone will agree with that

        2. conditionals Avatar
          conditionals

          I thought Iron Man was pretty light. In a great way. I'm a DC guy all the way, and have never read a Marvel comic. But I still watched the hell out of all those Marvel studios films, and am eagerly anticipating the next platter.

          1. gurucat Avatar
            gurucatreplying to conditionals

            I'm with you. DC gal, therefore more likely to be hard on DC adaptations. But I enjoyed the Marvel films too - well most of them.

        3. Heyyou Avatar
          Heyyou

          Iron Man is in some sort a serious movie.Again,Marvel comic book movies are fun,exciting,funny,and can be serious.

          1. worldpiece Avatar
            worldpiecereplying to Heyyou

            i am a dc guy too but marvel has the Right formula for super hero movies right now since its mannaged by disney and they have a nack to pick the right directors. In the end i dnt care if marvel or dc makes a good movie as long as its entertaining and fun. though i find it kind of wierd that iron man shows his true identity and dsnt guard his house perimeter properly in the movies :-D.

          2. Klossing Avatar
            Klossingreplying to worldpiece

            too bad Marvel ended that trend of getting the right directors with next X-Men. They really should've kept Matthew Vaughn on X-Men. I still believe that First Class is the best Marvel movie ever produced. And think the previous three are some of their worst, with some of the worst dialogue I've ever heard in a movie which Bryan Singer directed 2 of the 3 and is back for the next one... At least they kept Vaughn as a writer though.

          3. Jgagnepain Avatar
            Jgagnepainreplying to Klossing

            Um...Singer didn't direct or have anything to do with 3. He was doing superman, and they gave it to Bret Ratner, the Rush Hour guy. Three is garbage. 2 is great. You have to remember 1 and 2 were both out 2 plus years ago with a small budget comparatively. They are the reason superhero movies get made the way they do now.

          4. Jgagnepain Avatar
            Jgagnepainreplying to Jgagnepain

            10 plus years ago******

          5. Klossing Avatar
            Klossingreplying to Jgagnepain

            Like I said he directed 2 of the 3. Not 2 and 3. And even though 3 is obviously the worst, 2 specifically had the worst dialogue I've heard in a movie. And I've seen a lot of movies. And I gotta disagree, I would personally go with Raimi's Spider-Man not the X-Men movies. But that's just my opinion.

          6. Oops Avatar
            Oopsreplying to worldpiece

            Marvel had the winning formula prior to Disney coming in. Thankfully, Disney hasn't attempted to destroy the characters...yet.

        4. G. Blue Avatar
          G. Blue

          I agree except for X- Men's movies

      2. Decrepidactyl Avatar
        Decrepidactyl

        Yeah, I was going to say.DC and Marvel are passed that stage of redefining comic book movies. Marvel did win round one, and now their challenge is to keep it consistent and fresh. DC's challenge is to make the Justice League and CO. without coming across as desperate,make it fresh (not follow in Marvels footsteps, separate itself) and get DC to explode like never before.

      3. Skinny Larry Avatar
        Skinny Larry

        That's not true, Green Lantern 2is in production, 4 animated weekly series, Arrow is on CW weekly, and yes the next 3 superman films so thats 9 projects current, Marvel is only working on thor 2, cap 2, iron man 3, and gaurdians of the galaxy., that's 4, and a few crappy cartoon on Hub which your right is like 5-6.

        1. Brian Murana Avatar
          Brian Murana

          too bad green lantern sucked...Marvel is also working on Antman, avengers 2, doctor strange, black panther and prolly others! Also they havent announced that they are creating three more superman movies. They will want to see how man of steel goes first.

          1. Oops Avatar
            Oopsreplying to Brian Murana

            Eh ehmm...Deadpool. Certainly not a character to be forgotten.

      4. $6294022 Avatar
        $6294022

        Iron Man was a good movie. The Dark Knight was an excellent movie. Thor had a good first third and then Natalie Portman showed up. So far I've liked the direction that this genre of film has been taking and really look forward to not only Man of Steel but the FF reboot. Let these studios compete -- more stuff for me to watch.

        Now if only someone could make a good movie featuring The Shadow.

      5. Dan-Rosario Mistiva Avatar
        Dan-Rosario Mistiva

        Don't forget David Goyer said it's a film we need! There's a lot to the movie! The Sacrifice it takes to be a savior I guess!

      6. superherogeek Avatar
        superherogeek

        dc is going to have a hard time catching up with marvel for the win

        1. Chsox203 Avatar
          Chsox203

          Quality verses quantity..

      7. Tanin Avatar
        Tanin

        Marvel already won round 1? Are you serious? It took Marvel bringing there characters together in one movie to gross a billion dollars, Christopher Nolans Batman, did that not once, but twice. So if you are keeping score, +1 DC.

      8. Chsox203 Avatar
        Chsox203

        Again... Quality verses quantity

      9. forohiostatejim Avatar
        forohiostatejim

        If the Cavill's huge "Man of Steel" bombs then we can look for a new Superman? Nolan wouldn't be in the crosshairs since he mentored the project and wasn't responsible for directing. Would he consider introducing another Stuporman?

        How about instead of Superman they do Superboy, a younger Clark and then slowly build him up for the next Superman movie through the Justice League films? i see that as a good of way buildling things up. Like they want to follow the Marvel model with an interconnected universe but don't be so sudden and have all the Justice League appear out of nowhere. Start with younger versions of the legacy characters with Batman being the mentor. Kind of sounds like Young Justice but not really. I dunno. "Its been done Jim"

    2. Heyyou Avatar
      Heyyou

      You know Marvel is putting out more movies than DC is.Marvel right is making Captain America 2,Thor 2,Iron Man 3,Guardians of the Galaxy,Ant-Man,Doctor Strange,and a rumor Black Panther movie.

      1. LegendInMyMind Avatar
        LegendInMyMind

        That's because they have a studio devoted to comic book movies, umbrellaed by Disney. WB puts out DC movies, and A LOT of other films. They far outpace Marvel in those terms.

      2. Skinny Larry Avatar
        Skinny Larry

        Doc Strange got scrapped, the panther movie is just that, a rumor, and the Ant Man movie they haven't decided to do as an animated movie or feature film. I dont see milllions of people flocking to see some 8th rate avenger character. Ant man was a lame concept from the get out- I would much rather have a Hawkeye/Black Widow Avengers Prequel movie however~!

      3. Chsox203 Avatar
        Chsox203

        Heyyou SUCK... Just like how them future Marvel movies are going to.. :-)

    3. aleks_989 Avatar
      aleks_989

      I agree with you. But I need to hear this news from Nolan himself. Then, I'll start screaming from happiness. I pray that this will come to fruition. Nolan set the bar with The Dark Knight trilogy and will resurrect Man Of Steel this summer. I see no problem these two tying each other with Justice League as long as the story is right.

      1. Jay Nosaj Avatar
        Jay Nosaj

        I'm just worried how they are going to A) break the realistic style of Batman, and bring in other JL members like Green Lantern, Man Hunter, and Wonder Woman. and B) If Bruce will Launch Watch Tower or will they take the Smallville approach ???

        1. SoDisqusted Avatar
          SoDisqusted

          Realistic Batman ran its course. "The Dark Knight Rises" couldn't beat "The Avengers," a film that is hailed as one of the best films ever produced, and the box office revenue backed that up. Nolan never got that acclaim. "The Avengers" shows where audiences are heading when it comes to comic book adaptations. Nolan was a good change of pace. I supported it a decade ago, but I'm through feeling depressed every time I walk out of one of his features.

    4. Andrew Avatar
      Andrew

      i agree. IF this does happen, Marvel is gunna be soooooooooooooooo screwed hahaha. Bale was a god as Batman and with Nolan involved in Man of Steel its gunna be the movie of the year, screw iron man 3 haha

      1. SoDisqusted Avatar
        SoDisqusted

        Nothing will beat "The Avengers." They will never be able to top that in box office revenue, and critical acclaim. "That Dark Knight Rises" wasn't lauded the way "The Avengers" was. "The Avengers" will become the most successful franchise in movie history a decade from now. Mark my words. If DC wants the "Batman" franchise to remain successful, they need new blood again. TDR showed the beginnings of stagnation, and Nolan was right to drop out when he did.

        1. The Archer Avatar
          The Archer

          The Dark Knight is more lauded than the Avengers which came out almost five years ago, and time has not weakened it. The Avengers needed the combination of different heroes fighting together. Joss Whedon did what he could while he was fixing what Marvel Studios has been doing wrong except the first Iron Man and 2/3rds of Captain America. Nolan did not deliver as well as his first two Batman films yet the the third film still got major good reviews and enough cash on its own with the appearance of another super hero. The record can be broken but Avengers only crossed in the money department not quality. However Avengers 2 may do the trick as Joss Whedon will finally make the movie he wanted to make since the beginning

    5. Trev Steel Avatar
      Trev Steel

      Indeed, Nolan is a hack and should be strung up for slaughtering the Batman franchise and then brought back to life and strung up again for casting a piece of crap actor like Christian Bale as Batman. Way to ruin my childhood Nolan. Please don't rub sand in the fresh wound... cast someone good to play Batman... crap, REBOOT PLEASE!

      1. man_you_fear_19 Avatar
        man_you_fear_19

        So I guess you are the one person who liked nipples on the suit or Clooney playing Clooney in a Batman movie. Or maybe you preferred the Catwoman with nine lives and the penguin army. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion but to say that Nolan is a hack and Bale can't act is idiotic. The only way Nolan might have ruined your childhood is by raising the bar. I love the old movies too but compared to the newer ones, they have aged badly.

        1. GabReal DK Joel Avatar
          GabReal DK Joel

          I agree 100% with everything you just said

        2. SoDisqusted Avatar
          SoDisqusted

          Michelle Pfeiffer owns Catwoman. "Batman Returns" was the most faithful adaptation when it came to Selina Kyle. Batman-On-Film.com lays it all out for everyone. Also, Selina did not have nine lives. That was all in her mind. She had amnesia, which stems from Batman #1. Hathaway was okay, but she was nothing to write home about. She wasn't even credited as Catwoman, and there was no whip, the iconic essential weapon to the Catwoman character.

          1. man_you_fear_19 Avatar
            man_you_fear_19replying to SoDisqusted

            I also think Pfeiffer did a terrific job as Catwoman in that movie. I think all the Batman films have their strengths and weaknesses. My point was that people who complain about Nolan's movies just do so because that seems to be the "thing" to do now. People complain about his movies being too realistic, and then complain about how Bruce, a man who lived as essentially a homeless thief for nearly a decade, could get back to Gotham city without any money, or that he "wasted" time making the bat symbol on the bridge. When it's over realistic they don't like it and when you have to do a little thinking and realize it's a movie based on a comic book character, they complain too. Essentially I was just trying to point out that Trev Steel's assertion that Bale was the worst Batman and Nolan was the worst thing to happen to Batman was foolish.
            Also I think BTAS has the best Selina Kyle/Catwoman. And perhaps I'm wrong but I always took it that she did have nine lives, at least in the Burton film, hence surviving multiple falls and being shot multiple times. I don't know how amnesia could explain that. I thought Hathaway did a very good job, especially when she was switching between the helpless woman act and her true self; such as in the bar and when she first meets Bruce Wayne. I agree her Catwoman wasn't as iconic as Pfeiffer's but as it was she fit well in the Nolan universe.

          2. G Menon Avatar
            G Menonreplying to SoDisqusted

            A whip doesn't make Catwoman. Frankly I thought Hathway's version outdid even TAS which had a pronounced cat obsession. Pfeiffer's catwoman was as kooky as Halle Berry's. I prefer Catwoman as a sane, sophisticated, opportunistic thief than another maniac running around Gotham.

    6. SoDisqusted Avatar
      SoDisqusted

      I really don't see Bale as a good Batman anymore. I was initially behind his casting all the way back in 2003, but he's just not interesting. He didn't do anything any other actor couldn't do, and that Batman voice was atrocious, almost hilarious.

  2. Shawn P. Egan Avatar
    Shawn P. Egan

    I remember during the late 1980's early 1990's there was some talk of either a Superfriends or Justice League movie happening, and Michael Keaton playing Batman. 20 to 25 years later, your seeing a reboot of the Batman franchise, now you're beginning to see a second attempt at a Superman reboot, other DC Comic Superhero movies we have seen over the years are Supergirl and Green Lantern. I think its an excellent idea, as long as the story is good. Especially since 'The Avengers' came out last year, I think this would be the next logical move for DC Comics. I do have an idea for the remainder of the cast. You already have Christian Bale as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, you could have Jennifer Lawrence as Wonderwoman, Will Smith as Green Lantern, and possibly either Daniel Craig or Guy Pearce as Aquaman. You can even have Ewan McGregor as the Flash. Just some thoughts.

  3. lethargicj Avatar
    lethargicj

    I just found a script leak for this movie.

    EXT. GOTHAM CITY - ROOF TOP

    John Blake stands on a ledge looking down on the streets below, in costume, but cowl off.

    JOHN BLAKE
    I've spent these past few years training my body and my mind for this moment. I have become
    a fine tuned crime fighting machine. I'm finally ready. It's time to get out there and bust some
    heads.

    He pulls the cowl over his face

    JOHN BLAKE
    Are you ready Gotham? Here I come. I'm Batm...

    A figure steps up behind him.

    BRUCE WAYNE
    Hey, nevermind, I'm back.

    JOHN BLAKE
    Oh, WTF??

    1. Christopher Chance Avatar
      Christopher Chance

      You should have finished it with Wayne handing Blake a Robin Costume. LOL!

    2. Darkclaw Avatar
      Darkclaw

      kinda like Jay Leno and Conan

  4. Brian Tebay Avatar
    Brian Tebay

    This
    is very disappointing. I wanted Nolan's Batman story to be completely
    separate from this. I wanted Bruce's last scene to be him in the cafe.
    I'm very nervous now.

    1. jt8776 Avatar
      jt8776

      Dude get a grip...

  5. Dave Avatar
    Dave

    how good would it be if this was true? gonna take it with a grain of salt until it's announced by WB, Here's hoping that this news is true, Chris Nolan seems to understand how to make a decent comic book movie... Let's hope Man Of Steel is succesful

  6. GODOFKNIGHT Avatar
    GODOFKNIGHT

    People -- think about what your saying here and what the bigger picture is. Warner Brothers doesn't care about Bruce Wayne's retirement and having a "happy ending". In theirs minds TDKR netted them $1 billion plus in total revenue and that's all they care about. TDKR storyline has ZERO impact on a JL movie. The billions that Nolan and Bale have brought in are more than any other character they have in their possession and they know it. And that "realistic Nolanverse" that so many fan boys (and girls) criticize and complain over --- clearly hasn't stopped the profits from rolling in.

    As far as "making the story work"? It's not very hard to make a story work as long as the right people are involved and Christopher Nolan wouldn't be going all in on this if he didn't have a story in mind and Christian Bale back in the lead role. My bet is this was set in motion before TDKR finished filming, I bet Bale and Nolan both knew that this was entirely possible before the release. You don't market and challenge Disney's Avengers at the box office with Cavill and some no-name recast like John Hamm in the lead role (I almost fell off my chair when I saw someone had him in mind for Batman) because John Hamm cast as the most popular superhero character in the world would really draw out the masses. That's like Whedon doing the Avengers without Robert Downey Jr. My God people, think! Warner Brothers wasn't just going to let Nolan walk out the door after the most succesful comic book franchise of all time --- not with Disney uping the game.

    Batman isn't getting re-casted if this is put on the fast track and by the looks of it --- this on the serious fast track. You don't do a movie like this without a major, major star in the lead role, and despite what Cavill might end up being, he isn't the draw that Bale is.

    And who cares about Bale's age?? My god, Downey Jr. is 47 and Bale is 39 -- it's hollywood people. Bale could be doing Batman until he's 55 and you wouldn't know the difference. He's in phenomenal shape and with Stallone and Arnold doing crap into their 70's I wouldn't worry too much about age these days in film. It's probably not too high on Nolan's worry list.

    The story will work, it will be realistic, it will be great.

    1. lethargicj Avatar
      lethargicj

      1. I think we all understand why WB would do it. That doesn't mean we don't have reasons we might not be gung ho about it. Obviously the studio cares about nothing but dollar signs. They could care less about screwing up the ending of TDKR. They could care less about slitting a puppy's throat if it meant JLA would make a billion dollars.

      2. A lot of your theory is ruined by two words. Will Beale. If this was set in motion before TDKR finished filming, if the studio was planning or wanted to keep Bale and Nolan, why did they bother with Beale? Why did they try to get Ben Affleck? Apparently WB was perfectly happy going on without Nolan.

      3. I care about Bale's age because it starts to become unrealistic that a man of that age could be Batman. Robert Downey Jr can be Iron Man because the power is the suit. You can put an 80 year old in that suit and it's still Iron Man. I don't want another Michael Keaton situation where every single time Batman throws a punch it's a stunt man because it's raining outside and his arthritis is acting up. I wouldn't exactly use Stallone and Arnold as examples. Are they still making movies? Yes. Those movies also completely suck and those two old men look ridiculous in them.

      4. Yes, I am sure it will work and be great.

      1. GODOFKNIGHT Avatar
        GODOFKNIGHT

        1 - TDK saga is too big for a 3 movie run. it's a victim of it's own success. Bruce can have his "happy ending" or that elusive "death scene" that all the fan boys were so sure was coming at the end of TDKR, it's not like he can't have all that again. There is no reason to shelf Bale and Nolan after bringing in almost $billion and re-defining the superhero genre. There is more story to be told and there always was.

        2 - Who is Beale? I can't speak for the studio as I have no clue what they're doing or what they had originally planned. I'm sure they "tried" to pursue a different approach to a JL movie but after the huge news of JJ Abrams to Star Wars and Iron Man 3 due to be a blockbuster hit --- they couldn't sit still anymore. Maybe Nolan and Goyer have a story/idea and Warner Brothers is offering them a small island with filled with money --- you can bet that if Nolan is leading this that Bale is back. It doesn't work without him.

        3 -Daniel Craig is 45 still doing Bond and that's far more unrealistic having him running around in a suit than Bale in the cape, age is irrelevant in hollywood regardless. Bale doesn't look like he's 40, he's in phenomenal shape and in the prime of his career. The whole point to this is you can't do this World's Finest or JL right now without Bale as Batman, it's as simple as that. You just can't, it doesn't work without him.

        1. lethargicj Avatar
          lethargicj

          1 - Yes, there is a reason to shelf Bale and Nolan. You made three great movies. Get out before you screw it up and ruin all the good will you have built. I do not want to see the The Quest for Peace of the Dark Knight saga.

          2 - Will Beall is the guy WB hired to write the JLA movie. Then they went around trying to find somebody to direct the movie but it was so bad nobody would take the job so they canned it and are now so desperate that they're throwing a small island filled with money at Nolan.

          3 - The thing you seem to be forgetting is that mole on Bale's nose. It used to be tiny. By TDKR that thing was massive. In IMAX it was unbelievable. If that thing keeps growing as he ages he's going to lose vision out of one eye and the Batman suit will have to add in a little bump on the nose so he can actually wear the mask. I do not want giant mole face Batman.

    2. Welp. Avatar
      Welp.

      WB is a studio and has all the power they need. But Nolan wouldn't go for it. Let's be real.

    3. Mark K. Benton II Avatar
      Mark K. Benton II

      You probably had the best input out of all the Reviews. Lol I agree verbatim my friend

    4. Jay Nosaj Avatar
      Jay Nosaj

      I'm AGREE with you completely!, But I'm just worried HOW are they are going to A) break the realistic style of Batman, and bring in other JL members like Green Lantern, Man Hunter, and Wonder Woman. and B) If Bruce will Launch Watch Tower or will they take the Smallville approach ??

    5. GabReal DK Joel Avatar
      GabReal DK Joel

      You make alot of sense could coming from your perspective

    6. Chsox203 Avatar
      Chsox203

      Wow.... Well said bro.

  7. Blurreidisc Avatar
    Blurreidisc

    I'm happy with the idea of Chris Nolan supervising the Justice League project, but not with Bale reprising his role as Batman. JL Universe should be totally separated from The Dark Knight Trilogy's Universe.

  8. Rion Avatar
    Rion

    Hate to be a party pooper, but why would Bale play Batman? I mean hell yeah I'd prefer him to Gordon-Levitt, but if they're gonna set it after TDKR, wouldn't JGL kind of have to play him? I hope I'm wrong anyway.

    1. Shoeverine Avatar
      Shoeverine

      If Bale is returning as Batman in a Justice League role, it could make sense for him to leave someone to watch over Gotham (like how Bruce left Dick Grayson as Batman as he traversed the globe to do work for Batman, Inc.) for him, as he would realistically be pretty busy with whatever crazy shit A Justice League would have to handle.

      At first I thought this would be never possible and shouldn't happen, as Nolan's trilogy was set in a (more) realistic setting without all the fantastical elements.

      But now that I'm musing over the possibility, I think the two stories could co-exist if Batman is being brought out of retirement. Batman can be hailed as the leader, being the most experienced hero, if they decide to make all of these super-powered heroes arriving very recently, and having them unknown until now.

      If Superman's origin story takes place after Batman's trilogy, then it would make sense for him to approach Batman (Bale's retired Batman) for help, and Batman would have plenty to offer to the group. He and Superman could scout the country for potential superbeings who could join the team (the flash, green lantern, etc.) and Batman would have to readjust how he sees the world and his place in it, and he could make some interesting moves if he feels he has to compensate for his lack of powers...

      So, this could be cool--but, I wouldn't get my hopes up...

      1. Rion Avatar
        Rion

        Yeah I get that. My point was just why would he bring the old Batman out of retirement instead of just going to the new Batman? Canonically within the films, I just didn't think it made sense. Again, I hope I'm wrong.

        1. Shoeverine Avatar
          Shoeverine

          In my head, I see John Blake as becoming more of a Nightwing figure anyway--not quite up to Batman's standards... how's he supposed to become trained anyhow?

      2. RLYHYPERGUY Avatar
        RLYHYPERGUY

        And with Batman having to compensate for his lack of powers maybe we would get a new suit and much cooler gadgets! The TDK Batsuit was 8 years old by the time of TDKR, technology has to have improved since then! I love the TDK suit (I know that's an unpopular opinion) but it would be cool to see what they could come up with.

        1. Shoeverine Avatar
          Shoeverine

          As long as it's sans nipples, i agree

      3. Silver Avatar
        Silver

        Makes sense. I mean, the same thing that happened to Iron Man in the Avengers would happen to Batman. Iron Man, although more somewhat supernatural than Batman, is now having to compensate for his lack of super power after meeting the Hulk and Thor. That's going to change his game entirely. I can see the same happening for Bale's Batman. The Supernatural is starting to show itself in his world and now he has to prepare himself for it.

    2. Joe Key Avatar
      Joe Key

      Nothing takes you out of retirement like Aliens with super powers from other worlds. Its very plausible that Bruce would take it upon himself to find out if these "superheros" are just that or a threat to human kind.

    3. Matt Sandusky Avatar
      Matt Sandusky

      im of the mindset the JGL was pretty much set up to play robin, or maybe even nightwing.

    4. lethargicj Avatar
      lethargicj

      Because Jean Paul Valley isn't Batman anymore either?

    5. Jay Nosaj Avatar
      Jay Nosaj

      it could open the door for Bale to come back as Batman and make Levitt to be Robin

  9. Madison Avatar
    Madison

    What are you talking about fanBOYS? I think you are forgetting fangirls - helloooo. I was raised on DC comics. (Not Marvel) And this would be HUGE if Nolan is back for this (with a possibility of Bale). Nolan redefined comic book films. I am very intrigued by this.

    1. lethargicj Avatar
      lethargicj

      A/S/L??

      1. drlarrymitchell Avatar
        drlarrymitchell

        Aslan.

      2. Jay Nosaj Avatar
        Jay Nosaj

        really?... lame

        1. lethargicj Avatar
          lethargicj

          Yeah. That was kinda the point.

  10. JOHN Avatar
    JOHN

    JUST DON'T FUCK IT UP WB!!! LET NOLAN DO HIS DAMN THANG!!!!!

  11. lethargicj Avatar
    lethargicj

    I've always felt Bale would never come back but I've recently started to feel like it was possible. And not because of any of these silly rumors or what not. It's all these stories we've seen the past few months of him doing things like talking to sick kids in the hospital and all that stuff. The thing I see there is not just a good who's doing a good thing, but it's the fact that he's still OWNING Batman. Oh, there's a sick kid that likes Batman, well give me the phone because I AM Batman. That stuff and several things he's said in interviews leads me to believe that he WAS fully prepared to move on, but now he's kinda....well......

    But I'm not sure I want him to come back. I don't think anybody will ever top Bale's Batman. He was my favorite actor before his name was ever rumored for Batman. I wanted him to play Batman the second I walked out of seeing American Psycho on opening day. But DC needs to set up a future for their characters that is going to last for the next 10, 15, 20 years. Bale is 40 years old, will he still WANT to play Batman when he's 50? Will he be able to? By kicking off the Justice League you're basically committing to several of those movies with more Batman movies inbetween. I feel like WB needs to find people they can lock up for several movies like Marvel has their actors. Because, ok, Bale says if Nolan has a good story he'll come back. But what if he comes for JLA, maybe one more Bat movie and then goes OK, I've had enough. Suddenly in the middle of what is likely meant to be a trilogy of JLA movies, we get a new Batman?

    And I just wish they'd let the Dark Knight series go. By bringing him back it ruins Bruce Wayne's happy ending and puts him back into the darkness. It takes away the trilogy's whole meaning that Batman is just a symbol not the man in the suit. What about Blake? Are we going to having Batman Inc or something? It also ruins the realism of those movies. In TDKR Bruce was a broken down old man. He had to have a friggin robot knee and he still got his ass handed to him. Now that guy is going to take on Darkseid? It makes no sense.

    I'll be there on opening day though so it doesn't really matter either way.

    And yeah, sure, LR has gotten some big stories right. It's real easy for them to brag about the 5 stories they got right while ignoring the 500 that were total misses. Their World War Hulk scoop was just completely debunked.

    1. MPC Avatar
      MPC

      Whedon debunked the World War Hulk scoop because he had to. I would be willing to bet money that once "Avengers 2" hits screens, that Hulk plan will still be in effect because Whedon lied his ass off.

      1. lethargicj Avatar
        lethargicj

        The reason I believe Whedon is that the reasoning makes 100%. They have Mark Ruffalo signed to play Banner over several movies. Mark Ruffalo was the first guy who was universally liked in the role. It would make no sense to then set up Hulk movies where Banner never appears and it's just a completely CG movie.

  12. The Red Hood Avatar
    The Red Hood

    Once a strong believer in leaving the Nolan trilogy alone, I can't help but have the biggest smile upon reading this news.

    1. Deees Avatar
      Deees

      Its just epic that's why... and it could totally work. Batman's trilogy is his world. what happens when he is put in the DCU? I think with the trilogy behind him, Batman will be the wise veteran crimefighter, not unlike most JLA interpretations

  13. Decrepidactyl Avatar
    Decrepidactyl

    I have very mixed feelings about this. - I love Christian Bale's take on the Batman. The way he has been playing the character is how I would see him in the Justice League. He just seems like a Justice League 'part-timer'. I too am a HUGE fan of the Nolan trilogy, but I feel like we have gotten a sense of closer, and accepting someone new to take up the cape and cowl.If they decide that this Batman will NOT be canon, than I am all for it. - I am taking this news extremely lightly.

    1. Decrepidactyl Avatar
      Decrepidactyl

      Also, just want to throw this out there - I was a little worried on the updating of the site,especially since there was nothing wrong with it.But Chris, you did a fantastic job. Still holds that sweaty-greasyBatman-News scent !

    2. Antrozous Avatar
      Antrozous

      I think you meant to say "we got a sense of closure"...

  14. Loco Avatar
    Loco

    Mind blown...

  15. Inam Illahi Avatar
    Inam Illahi

    One shouldn't forget: Albeit peak physical strength and dedication, Batman one strong point is the infinite resources (in terms of wealth) he brings to the table for Justice League. In Nolan-verse, apart from retiring, Bruce Wayne is broke. His company is over, his estate has been distributed legally, and he has started a normal life with Selina Kyle.

    I don't see how this will work..

    1. lethargicj Avatar
      lethargicj

      I can only assume the answer would be because he's the GODDAMN BATMAN.

    2. KillerKali Avatar
      KillerKali

      because bruce can prove his finger prints were stolen by daggett and rebuild wayne enterprises

      1. Deees Avatar
        Deees

        Sure we may be able to prove fraud in the long term but for now, your broke Mr. Wayne;

        1. KillerKali Avatar
          KillerKali

          really? because im pretty sure a guy walking into the NYSE with terrorists and guns, and then stealing shit off the computers, will be viewed as legitimate

    3. Alex Getts Avatar
      Alex Getts

      I never bought that he was "broke". On the record, sure, but I don't buy that he didn't have money stashed in offshore/alternate name accounts that add up to a small fortune.

      1. lethargicj Avatar
        lethargicj

        Yeah. He obviously wasn't broke. He was eating at a fancy schmancy restaurant in France. He was living the high life in Europe. It's not like they showed him sitting on the sidewalk begging for change. When he made all his final preps I'm sure he didn't forget to leave some money for himself. He's friggin Batman. Enough money to build a moonbase? Probably not.

  16. Clem Avatar
    Clem

    I like the idea of Wayne coming back to help form the League. It could be seen by him as sort of an "good" version of The League of Shadows - which gives a nice way to show the skeptical "I know all your weakness guys, so don't tick me off" version of Batman.

    As Wayne: "Oh yeah? I had the chance to join another League once. That one didn't work out so well. Membership fee was a little high." I also like the idea of Blake still being Gotham's Batman, but only referred to in the film by "Gotham is in good hands". This is also a chance to use something similar to Batman INC and Sons of Batman. where Wayne can eventually recruit "Batmen" for various sectors of the world. He can still be semi-retired and only go into action when he is needed for the League, or one of the others needs his help. I can see Wayne in a Nick Fury kind of supervisory role (similar to Batman Beyond) where he fights when needed.

  17. CJ Avatar
    CJ

    Now why couldn't they have done this from the start?

    Also... FUCK YEAH

  18. Darkknighttrojan Avatar
    Darkknighttrojan

    I can't even contemplate this news. Incredible if true. I'm pretty stunned right now. Ballsy, ballsy move by all involved. Will be pretty badass to see a Bale Batman with a HC Superman on screen together.

  19. Belmonknight Avatar
    Belmonknight

    Christopher Nolan the supervisor of Warner Brothers Super Heroes Movies, Best idea Ever!!!

    Im with Rivers when he say "I'm happy with the idea of Chris Nolan supervising the Justice League project, but not with Bale reprising his role as Batman. JL Universe should be totally separated from The Dark Knight Trilogy's Universe."

  20. schen Avatar
    schen

    Instead of after DKR, I would prefer it if it takes place between Dark Knight and DKR. There is a 10 year gap, who says that Bruce didn't secretly put on the cowl somewhere else.

    1. Inam Illahi Avatar
      Inam Illahi

      That wouldn't work either. Two reasons:

      1- He was depressed for 8 years, and hadn't found a purpose in life. If say he had met all these members of JL, wouldn't he have important things to work, and be more fit.
      2- If Supernatural elements existed in the time frame of TDKR, Superman could have flown and be done with Bane.

      1. h4v0k_528491 Avatar
        h4v0k_528491

        But Bruce was still still active until 3 years before TdKr when the clean energy project went bad, he was doing things during that time but as Bruce

  21. JCR Avatar
    JCR

    holy shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)

  22. RLYHYPERGUY Avatar
    RLYHYPERGUY

    So...

    We have Blake looking over Gotham City as Nightwing, Batman, or an Oracle-type figure while Bruce joins the Justice League. I can see it working.

    I really don't want it to, though. One thing I loved about The Dark Knight Rises is that it was the first Batman story to give him a happy ending. I really don't want that to be ruined by him joining the Justice League.

    However, he wouldn't be going back to Gotham, which is where all of his pain is, so maybe it could still work with him being the Batman of the Justice League. This will also keep him out of Gotham for good, still keeping his happy ending, sort of.

    I'm open to anything, but I like the closure we were given.

  23. GODOFKNIGHT Avatar
    GODOFKNIGHT

    I told everyone on here MONTHS ago this was a possibility. There was NO WAY that Nolan was done with Batman. This is WAY, WAY, WAY too big for Warner Brothers to let go and if the best way to bring Nolan and Bale back is through a Justice League movie with Cavill, then so be it. But there was NO fricken way that Warner was going to let Bale and Nolan just call it quits --- thank Marvel and the Avengers for that --- without that huge competitive push from Marvel it probably would be the end but with this news we might be seeing a lot, a TON more of Bale and Nolan back for Batman in Justice League and many, many more!!!!!

  24. MB Avatar
    MB

    No way this is going to happen, and frankly I don't want it to. Throwing "Nolan's" Batman in with Superman would ruin the trilogy. So as much as I love Christian Bale as Batman, I would much rather see a new take for Justice League. I totally approve of having Nolan involved though!

    1. GODOFKNIGHT Avatar
      GODOFKNIGHT

      Yeah. Because Justice League + Nolan - Bale would really draw out the crowd. Your right. Let's get John Hamm in there and that should really challenge Disney at the box office

      1. Deees Avatar
        Deees

        hahahahahah

      2. MB Avatar
        MB

        I didn't say that it would "draw out the crowd", or make more money or that John Hamm should be cast, or that it would challenge Disney at the box office. So now...
        Do you disagree that it wouldn't make sense to have Nolan's batman in with superman?

  25. Tarkan Altintas Avatar
    Tarkan Altintas

    I believe that the Nolan Batman has ended and should stay that way. I do not agree with Nolan's ending, because for me, and many other Batman fans out there, Bruce Wayne is Batman. Sure, there's JPV and McGinnis as the Batman Beyond, but the true Batman identity is Bruce Wayne.

    Also, what I expected to see in Nolan's Batman, and unfortunately haven't seen is the darker Batman. The ass-kicking, no nonsense, boogeyman myth, ninja-type scary and dark Batman. That's the Batman that I'm a fan of. That's the type of Batman the JLA would need. That's why Superman will come to know him as the most dangerous man on Earth. That's why all the God-like JLA characters will come to respect and accept him into their super-powered gang, because they all secretly know this dark demon-like Batman can take anyone of them down if he had to.

    That's the Batman I'd like to see. And its too late for Christian Bale to play him, because he is apparently replaceable because anyone can be Batman. Anyone can be "like" Batman, i.e. do good, save the day, be strong and vigilant against crime and wrongdoing. But there is one, and only one Batman.

    To wrap it up, I wouldn't mind Nolan overseeing or directing the JLA movie, since we've seen what he can do as a director; but I'd rather like to see what he can do with a darker Batman and a boy-scout Superman, creating that friendly conflict between two giants.

    Afterthought: How to hint of the JLA movie in the "Man of Steel"? As the credits roll, a small submarine is seen deep in the dark ocean, picking up a glowing green piece of rock (yes, kryptonite) and as this submarine starts to ascend back up and more light is introduced into the water, a bat-looking detail on the side of the submarine can be observed. As the submarine hits the surface, there is a woman with long black hair with a golden tiara observing the submarine, and then after a moment of looking at it, she flies up into the sky, and the sunray hits her golden cuff that shines bright and blinds the audience to the final cut.

  26. Muse Avatar
    Muse

    this movie needs a more comic book accurate batman, bale is not that

    1. Deees Avatar
      Deees

      what a perfect opportunity to introduce the more fantastic elements of the mythos to an older wiser batman? You lack vision

  27. Nemessy Avatar
    Nemessy

    Yeah, I would squeal in disgust. This just can't happen. Nolan's Batman is just not compatible with these other superheroes. Batman in the Nolanverse was created as the only "superhero" in existence. That world is not meant to be fantastical and impossible. I don't like the sound of this. I don't think Nolan or Bale would agree to bring back their Batman on this project.

    1. Deees Avatar
      Deees

      Awwww :'(

  28. obscurelyfamous Avatar
    obscurelyfamous

    I read this news and was disappointed by the idea of blunting the impact of TDKR by bringing Bale's Batman back. It was such a definitive story arc that ended with the legend living on through Blake.

    But then I think about an older, bulkier Christian Bale —Frank Miller style — being approached by Superman... and now I need to see this.

    1. Chris Avatar
      ChrisBatman News Archive

      I couldn't agree more, Daniel. I loved The Dark Knight Rises' ending. I thought it was the perfect way to wrap up the trilogy.

      But then I thought about a scene after Man of Steel's credits roll... with Superman approaching an older, retired, bearded Christian Bale. That would be insane!

      Thanks for checking out Batman News, and for creating the best commenting platform on the web!

      1. obscurelyfamous Avatar
        obscurelyfamous

        Hell yes! Bale or not, Supes coming to recruit Batman would be super sweet. Or showing a brooding Bruce Wayne watching news coverage of Superman...

    2. William L Avatar
      William L

      Awesome ideas here, my friend. Liked that!

  29. Chase Braden Carothers Avatar
    Chase Braden Carothers

    WOW!!!!!!!!!

  30. jaydreamer Avatar
    jaydreamer

    This would be AMAZING. Nolan is the only one I trust to helm the DC movie universe.

    I can see Clark pulling Bruce out of retirement (because, let's face it, Bruce won't stop fighting crime until he's dead or utterly physically unable to). But I would have been happy with a new Batman (not Bale or JGL), if they found the right actor.

    I still dream of...

    1. Man of Steel

    + Batman

    2. World's Finest

    + Wonder Woman

    3. Trinity

    + Flash/GL/Aquaman/MartianManhunter

    4. Justice League

    5. Solo movies for everyone!

    Doesn't copy Marvel's solo-to-team movies, and doesn't rush headlong into a team movie without establishing the characters. Plus there's more interesting stories and character development with a natural team build-up.

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