If Nolan Doesn't Direct 'Batman 3' Who Would You Like to See Take Over?
Can you imagine anyone else stepping in?
Batman On Film posted a short story last week saying "there's some scuttlebutt that in early 2010, Warner Bros. and Chris Nolan will finalize the plan for Batman 3." While many sites are running with the story and saying there will be an announcement of sorts, Batman On Film clearly states whether there will be an announcement or not remains to be seen, but the question of Nolan's involvement as director remains in the air.
I guess one would have to assume WB and Nolan would be smart to get things sorted out by at least June of 2010 so interviews for Nolan's new film Inception won't be bogged down with conversation asking about the next Batman feature, or at least kept to a minimum.
Will Nolan be back? My gut tells me yes he will be, but I could also see how the death of Heath Ledger and perhaps the expectation The Joker would return in the next installment could have thrown Nolan off. So, in the spirit of having nothing else to do, I thought it might be fun to explore alternate options.
Personally, the first name that comes to mind is Darren Aronofsky, if for no other reason than he was a major player in keeping the Batman franchise alive before Nolan came along, as well as the first person to meet with Christian Bale in relation to taking on the role of Bruce Wayne.
He was working with a script from Frank Miller, an adaptation of Miller's "Year One" graphic novel, which you can read right here. In describing the film that never was to The Guardian Aronofsky said, "It was a hard, R-rated Batman. What I pitched them was Travis Bickle meets The French Connection — a real guy running around fighting crime. No super-powers, no villains, just corruption. For the Batmobile, I had him taking a bus engine and sticking it in a black Lincoln. Real low-tech geek stuff."
I have not read the script myself, but Devin Faraci at CHUD offered the following last November:
This film saw Bruce Wayne wandering the streets after the murder of his parents; he's taken in by an auto mechanic named Big Al (Aronofsky's version of Alfred). Bruce grows up a borderline psychotic who begins taking violent vengeance on street thugs. He turns an abandoned subway station below Big Al's auto shop into his version of the Batcave. He puts a bus engine in a black Lincoln Continental as his version of the Batmobile. Over the course of the story he assembles the elements of the costume and persona of Batman (or The Bat-Man, as he's called).
Of course, Aronofsky's vision wouldn't really fit into the world Nolan has created, but I have a hard time believing Aronofsky couldn't adapt to the tone Nolan was working with From Batman Begins to The Dark Knight. Additionally, I would think the idea of picking up the reigns on Batman 3 would be more enticing than the RoboCop remake he has been loosely attached to for some time now.
I posed the question to a couple of the guys that write for RopeofSilicon on occasion and here are the names they offered up as potential successors to Nolan's Batman mantle.
Andre agreed with me on Aronofsky and brought the names of David Fincher, J.J. Abrams and Paul Greengrass to the table. Laremy agreed with Dre on Greengrass and Abrams and also added Kathryn Bigelow, Joss Whedon, Peter Jackson and John Hillcoat (The Road).
David joked about bringing Joel Schumacher back along with bat-nipples, but then suggested Master and Commander helmer Peter Weir saying he's like Nolan in that he's cerebral without being pretentious and has a clean visual style that would flow nicely with the previous two films.
Another name I thought to add was Martin Campbell as I think the tone of the Batman films would finally allow him to go a little further than he did with Casino Royale and as far as it looks like he's gone with Edge of Darkness. Campbell, however, is cutting his teeth on his first superhero movie with Ryan Reynolds and Green Lantern for WB, so it's highly unlikely he would bounce between the two. And just as a matter of how cool I think it would be, I would also love to see David Cronenberg or perhaps Mark Romanek take a stab at the franchise.
Other names I considered were Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai) and Phillip Noyce (Clear and Present Danger and Salt), but I just can't really see either of them fitting in too well. I guess Ridley Scott's style might fit, but I don't think I would anticipate a Scott-directed Batman as much as the other names I mentioned.
What do you say? Any of the above names fit in with what you were thinking? Have any others to add? Is it possible you would prefer they didn't make a third film if Nolan wasn't directing? After all, he would most certainly remain involved as producer and most likely as a producer with plenty of input. Sound off below.
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Danny Boyle!
Michael Mann would be pretty action packed … also a good story line too i would believe.
thats all i really have right now on who i would think could do it
darren aronofsky!! with him,Batman will be the villain
Aside from Aronofsky, the only other names I can picture pulling it off would be Fincher and Mann.
@Randy:
No, not Michael Mann. Mann would insist on shooting it on ugly DV and have it meander like hell through the second half.
I do think Peter Weir, Joss Whedon (those who think he can't do serious really need to re-evaluate his resume) and Kathryn Bigelow are interesting choices. I think J.J. Abrams wouldn't take the right approach to the material.
wow, that aronofsky story sounds awful.
my vote's for David Fincher.
Oh yes, Cronenberg please! That would be the ultimate geekgasm.
Keep Nolan!
I think that a Batman 3 can and should be done, but it needs to be with Chris Nolan directing and Christian Bale starring. I can understand that Heath Ledger's death has messed up the production and that the Joker was supposed to come back, but the Joker character is not necessarily needed for this third movie. Even though Heath Ledger did a one of a kind job, the Joker should be recast, since the character and the actor portraying him should be separate. But if they wont do that and cant do their original idea for Batman 3, other ideas can work, such as this one right here……….PLEASE HAVE CHRIS NOLAN AND CHRISTIAN BALE READ THIS!!!
It has been about six months to a year since the events of the Dark Knight has passed. The Joker has been locked away in Arkham, Two Face is dead, and Batman is hated by the public for the supposed murders he committed, while Gotham is a bad as it has ever been. But some people have come to believe in the name of Batman and have also decided to fight the war on crime in Gotham City, just as ordinary every day citizens are trying to do what Batman did. One in particular is Catwoman, a woman who uses a cat as her symbol of justice, law, and order, and who copies Batman as a vigilante trying to stop crime in the midst of Batman's absence and actually is cleaning up Gotham. Bruce Wayne at this time has become a recluse since the events of the Dark Knight, personally blaming himself for the deaths of Rachael Dawes and Harvey Dent and the hands of the madman, the Joker. He has become a drunkard and keeps himself locked in Wayne Manor fighting through his inner demons and pain that comes to him every day. He has given up on being a hero, believing that he has only made things worse for himself and for Gotham City and that trying to be Batman was a foolish crusade. In addition to this, Wayne Enterprises is being bought and taken over by Cobblepot Enterprises, due to the recent 2008 failing economy in America, and is headed by a man known as Oswald Cobblepot and in some circles, is known as the Penguin due to his ugly and overweight appearance. Cobblepot has also been working behind the shadows to take over as the head crimeboss of Gotham City, since Carmine Falcone is still in Arkham Asylum, and the remaining crime bosses, such as Gambol, the Chechen, and Sal Maroni were killed off in the Dark Knight by the Joker and Two-Face. While this is going on, a mysterious criminal known as the Riddler has come on the scene and is trying to cause chaos in Gotham and bring about its ultimate destruction. What is later revealed in flashback sequences and through what is told by the Riddler, he was a simple computer programmer known as Edward Nygma, who unfortunately lost his job during the economic crisis of 2008 and was about to lose his home due to back payments, as well as trying to pay medical bills for his sick wife, who was unfortunately dying of an inoperable brain tumor. This led him to join a gang, who was going to rob a bank, so he could get money and save what little of a life he had left. Unfortunately during the robbery, Batman had come on the scene and stopped the bad guys including Nygma, who tragically broke his legs in the ensuing chaos and was sent to jail. All in all he became a crippled man with metal rods placed in his legs for support and leading him to use his well known cane and experiencing every day unending pain as a result. He also lost his house and his wife to her cancer in the process. He has since blamed Batman for what happened and vowed to get revenge on him, whatever the cost. Fast forward to the present, he took up the mantle of the Riddler and is trying to draw Batman out of his seclusion, so he can have his revenge and kill him. He does this by kidnapping various police officers and local government officials, and subjecting them to various traps of excruciating pain and eventual death if they cannot solve his insane riddles placed before them, such as (who is the dark knight) and (how can I find the batman). He also asks these riddles and others on Batman in newspapers and has the occasional tendency to blow up various buildings and such by trying to get people to give information or give up Batman if they are connected to them. Eventually, Alfred gets Bruce to go back out and face the Riddler and the Penguin. He asks Lucius Fox for a new Batsuit for his last fight and gets a nolan-versionized batboat and batwing and another tumbler, as well as new gadgets to do this. He eventually comes across Catwoman who also inspires him to become a hero again and since she believes in what he does, takes the blame for the five murders that two face committed in the Dark Knight. This works out because her suit looks like Batman's and people thought it was a case of mistaken identity. Batman comes to realize that the Riddler is virtually his polar opposite, he did similarly lose a love one that was close to him, but ended up losing everything else and turned to a life of crime, while blaming Batman, while Batman became a hero instead and let his need for vengeance not get the better of him. So Batman stops the Penguin and the Riddler that are teamed together. At the end of the movie the Riddler plans to use biologically infused chemical missiles to destroy Gotham, killing himself and everyone else, since he believes that all should suffer, like he has, and die. With the use of his batboat, batwing, new gadgets, and new batsuit ( a different one for every movie and event he faces) he stops the Riddler. Batman also makes a point to apologize to the Riddler for what happened, even though he broke the law and he had to face and still face the consequences of his actions, which the Riddler refuses even at the end As for Catwoman, she willingly takes the blame for the murders and is unfortunately killed by the other underworld foes that were connected to the victims of the murders. At the end of the movie, Batman stops the chemical missiles from destroying Gotham and depending if Nolan wants to keep making these movies ( I would certainly hope and ask that he does) can have Batman be killed off at the end or live and save the day and be reaccepted into society and be the hero of Gotham for ever, as the same in case he is killed and in that case be giving a hero's funeral as well.
The underlying theme of this movie is redemption and not letting your inner demons get the better of you, as Batman becomes a hero again and and wants to help and save Gotham, which he does and becomes an everlasting entity of good for Gotham, while the Riddler, his polar opposite, decided to lose himself and become a villain who wanted nothing but pain and destruction for all.
Also, please reintroduce the BATBOAT AND BATWING and let BATMAN HAVE A NEW BATSUIT, one for each movie and different time period and trials that he faces and the name for this new movie should be BATMAN ETERNAL.
@Kevin: agreed:a clever & stylish director
Now this is just my opinion, but I think that possibly Kevin Smith could take over the next Batman. First off, I think he would make a very different type of batman movie that would be almost incomparable to the Nolan ones. Also, he has written story arcs for both The Green Arrow and Batman. (I think he's also doing Green Hornet) Lastly, do you think anyone expected the first Tim Burton Batman to be any good, or what about Iron Man directed by Elf's Jon Favreau?
Personally, I still think Nolan is the right man for the job as we all know from the past switching directors mid-franchise is a disastrous move (X-men 3, anyone?). Heath Ledger's death was a tragedy, but it's time to move on. Having Nolan replaced would destroy the continuity and tone of the films as lets face it we don't want history repeating itself with how the previous series turned out.
Paul Thomas Anderson.
@Anonymous: I couldn't read that entire thing, but it seems to me that you just want the comics to come alive in the movies again. You want the accessories and new villains to be back.
Nolan has transformed the Batman franchise to include the darker tone described in comics without the stigma of the nonsensical melodramatics and concentration on gadgets. He's really concentrated at the core concept of why Batman does what he does, and so in TDK, he "leveled up" Batman as one who realizes that he is the last stand against crime and chaos in Gotham. He will be what Gotham needs him to be, no matter what. I can see the story going towards him being hunted, but no other villain can replace what Heath Ledger presented as the ultimate answer to Batman's order.
I do not think another installment in this series should be pursued unless Nolan is directing and writing, as well as Bale acting. If Nolan does not return, there should be another restart or continuation along another line, but this story should be left untouched because there will be no possible way another director can top TDK. It is his baby now. My gut tells me too that Nolan will be back, but probably in 2012, as I don't see filming until late 2010 or early 2011. Nolan has undoubtedly thought about a plotline along with his brother, and discussed who can possibly top Heath. I am sure they are considering a villain that will no doubt be played by another caliber actor, as well as laying to rest with respect the character of Joker.
Timur Bekmanbetov
I would love to see Aronofsky's hard R-rated Batman world, but it would have to be a completely different set of films. If Nolan doesn't return, I don't want to see any director try to tackle a third film. I'd rather see a talented director try something new than attempt to copy Nolan's style and fail.
@Danny K.: Hear Hear
J.J. Abrams. Just got done watching Star Trek for the hundredth time and I love it even more than when i watched it in theaters. He is an amazing director but I would love for Nolan to stay at the helm.
Alfonso Cuarón
and Emmanuel Lubezki shoots the entire film in a single uninterrupted take.
How about David Goyer hes done a good job with flash foward and he was a producer for the dark knight and could keep they way nolans batman theme has been
First name that comes to mind is David Fincher.
Whatever they do, just keep Zack Snyder away from it.
I'm sorry my movie idea was very long, it still is very dark and is in line with the movies, yes I do want accessories and new villains as well, i dont know if it fits in the comic book realm since it has catwoman as a hero instead of a villain and penguin as a regular guy with that nickname like two face in tdk and the riddler is the main villain of the movie
I only will accept Christopher Nolan, he made this series and if he isn't going to end it then it's fine where it's at in my perspective. Anyways Christian Bale said he'd quit if Nolan wasn't directing. No Nolan then no.
I only want to see a third Batman film if Nolan is on board. Otherwise, a new director should start their own franchise instead of just trying to complete NOLAN's vision.
That Aronofsky script was awful, if that ever got made it would be a bigger deathblow to Batman than Batman & Robin.
MARK STEVEN JOHNSON!
@Gorilla: you mean the guy that ruined ghost rider i don't even think so
if not christopher nolan i say danny boyle if slumdog was any indication he is an amazing director but i also saw sunshine that was a good one too not as good as slumdog though
Let David Goyer direct. His lack of involvement in The Dark Knight hurt the movie in my opinion. He should come back (and be involved in the writing); he is one of the best writers to ever live.
Get the Penquin in the story to take over the mob, do him right (not that hard; apparently Tim Burton found it hard for some reason), and you've got 1/3 of the movie covered.
Have Batman being hunted but have it come out that Harvey Dent became Two-Face somehow, and have Batman think Gotham will fall apart.
Catwoman should really come around as a robber who takes inspiration from seeing Batman and then gets her costume. And get someone who can actually act to play the role.
There should be another villian, perhaps The Riddler, but he would probably be a little too much for the movie. Someone more low-key like The Black Mask (and he'd be a new one; plus for the movie) would be probably fit better.
Personally I do not see what is so difficult about making a Batman movie, how it could take like three years to get another movie out, how to adapt a character correctly, how to further Batman's story itself. etc. The source material is all there; just put it on the big screen and your done.
Anyone else but Nolan and it would not be as good. But, if they are going to make a 3rd and Nolan won't do it….then they should hire CURTIS HANSON (Director of LA Confidential). Similar style and abilities to Nolan. But still….Nolan is the best! Also…the villian should be Bane, not the Riddler. Just my opinion.
@Ryan Adams: I agree that Alfonso Cuarón should be the director to take over if, heaven forbid, Nolan walks.
The problem with many of the fan favorite choices is that most of them probably wouldn't make a comic book movie. David Fincher is the obvious choice because of his visual style. Also, he would probably seriously consider it. I remember reading he was up for the first Spider Man but he didn't want to make an origin film. With the 3rd Batman he could just jump in. Mann would be awesome but I seriously doubt he would make a superhero movie. He did pawn Hancock off on Peter berg afterall. What about Andrew Dominik? His first two films were really good. Although they didn't have the visual flair of a Mann or Fincher film that can be fixed by hiring a kick ass DP.
Here is my take on the subject…I think the directors that are being named are all very good in their own way, but I think that most of them are being named because people are subconsciously thinking, "Who would be most like Christopher Nolan?" This is a self defeating pursuit because whoever it would possibly be if it were not Nolan would be unfairly compared to the AMAZING story he brought to us with TDK. I am with the people who say no Nolan no sequel and another reboot with another director is simply beating a dead horse in my opinion.
I will say this though, if Nolan were to return I would like to put in my vote for a actor/villain for the next movie. My pick is Johnny Depp as The Riddler. I mean we all know what he is capable of with his range and i could easily see this happening…wait, maybe I am subconsciously comparing him to Heath Ledger…I still think it would fit perfectly.
My first thought was Alfonso Cuaron. Realisticly and unfortunately, the studio would probably go with whatever "hot" director they can get their hands on. I saw a post saying no Zack Snyder. That's the kind of guy they will go after. But for me, I'm looking for dark in tone and artfully done. Cuaron's my man.
Francis Ford Coppola. Although if he doesn't do it (which he won't), I second the PTA mention.
Nolan NEEDS to be involved in this franchise.
if he doesn't want to direct fine but as long as he's a producer and/or writer this series isn't going nowhere!
I'll be the first one to say it: The Coen Brothers. Yep. I said it.
But obviously not, so Aronofsky's vision could be brilliant, as would Abrams's.
and how about russel crowe as a villian in the movie
Joel schumacher! What's that? No? Ok I understand.
Alfonso Cuaron would be my top choice. 2nd would probably be David Fincher.
David Fincher, and I have one more thing to add. Just a suggestion, but I recently saw 500 Days of Summer (great movie btw) and was amazed to see how similar Gordon Levitt looks to Heath Ledger, so I just thought it would be really cool if they could pick him to carry on with Heath's joker role, which obviously remains unfinished. Gordon can certainly act and I feel that he can do that role really well.
Just an interesting idea I thought.
Alex Proyas!!! (The Crow and Dark City) i cant believe none said Alex
Here would be my top choices
#1. Michael Mann- It really is a no-brainer of a choice considering TDK is essentially Heat with a really amazing fetish for halloween.
#2. Paul Thomas Anderson- I don't see any chance of this happening but no one can dig as deep into the human mind as PTA. Plus no one deserves a franchise as much as this guy.
#3. Alfonso Cuaron- He knows how to handle dark material (Children of Men) and has had the blockbuster experience (Prisoner of Azkabam), plus I think he's the most realistic shot considering WB screwed him out of Harry Potter.
#4. Danny Boyle- Another choice that seems like an unlikely dream but lets face it, this guy can do anything.
#5. Marc Webb- Know it seems like a strange choice considering his only film is (500) Days of Summer but I think if he ever chose a darker route as a director then his style and understanding of characters. (There are a lot of similarities between Tom Hanson and Bruce Wayne) would be a welcome edition to the franchise.
I think Nolan not directing would be a mistake for the current series. It's very obviously his baby and he's made a beautiful tapestry out of the dark comic tones, gritty realism, and I think a little hint of the Animated Series pokes through every once in awhile.
For the next movie if there is one I'd really like to see a smaller story take place, batman is the world's greatest detective after all. I'd be really interested in watching him evade cops at all costs, protect his identity and hunt for a serial killer, or a riddler type villain.
I mean no offense anonymous, but i think you missed alot of the point of the dark knight as well as who the characters really are at their core. The riddler isn't a Gimpy "jigsaw". He really only ever robs banks. His ultimate goal is just to prove how fucking smart he is. like at the end of the day thats ALL he cares about and wants, is to be smarter than batman.
Catwoman is a cat burglar, not a vigilante. She hates/lusts for batman and comes to represent the opposite of him, which is why they're so attracted to each other. I know she got her own spinoff series and shit but ultimately she is those two things first and foremost.
The penguin is a freakshow outcast that rallies other freaks and outcasts to do his bidding. He's like a mob boss for the land of misfit toys and he gets no respect. Especially from other criminals.
I'd really like to see Detective Bullock make an appearance, perhaps as the man put in charge of hunting down the bat. I'd also like to see the old mob bosses have to come out of retirement to rebuild their empires the old school way. Watch batman battle sheer unadulterated capitalism at its cruelest.
if theres time it would be interesting to see them try and put robin in, without making it extremely cheesy. Just another young vigilante that batman sees alot of himself in and takes under his wing (no pun intended). If anyone could do it Nolan could.
anyways thats my two cents.
I think that maybe Martin Scorsese would be a good choice, although he would never do that, I think that it could be cool seeing Scorsese attached to a sequel to The Dark Knight. Another name that I don't think anyone has said is James Mangold. He did a great job with Identity, 3:10 to Yuma and Cop Land. I think he could maybe capture the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.
I do have faith in David S. Goyer because he is a great writer, however Blade Trinity was absolute trash so was The Unborn. I just think that maybe he should just stick to writing the story because not one person comes to mind that could touch his writing style and his sense of gritty and brooding settings.
I do think that Michael Mann could pull it off. I thought that Public Enemies was an amazing movie but his all time best was Heat. And let's face it, The Dark Knight was basically Heat with Batman. He could go either way.
Overall, I think that it would be awesome to see Scorsese take a stab at it but to be realistic, I say either Goyer or Mangold. But, that is just my opinion.
I would love to see Micheal Mann because Nolan openly said The Dark Knight was inspired by Heat (bank scene and the joker Batman conversation) I think Mann and Nolan are alike in many ways so I would enjoy seeing it but personally I want Nolan back
Michael Bay! Basically take "The Dark Knight" add a 100% zoom into all of the action, Megan Fox as Catwoman of course, throw in some plot about the Riddler trying to blow up the galaxy with an ancient artifact, add the new and improved, hip, wise cracking Robin for the 21st century, and sprinkle in 10,000 or so explosions (in the first half hour alone) and you have the perfect end to the trilogy!
@Justin Casey:
Actually i believe it was nicholas cage that ruined Ghost rider.
Frank Miller!
@Chris C.: YES PTA, i mean come on, come on!!!!! only in dreams could PTA direct a batman film.
If Nolan doesn't return, i'd like to see Nolan's doppleganger take a shot.
Nolan, please come back. Nobody can bring the epicness like you can!
The only other directors I can imagine doing the third Batman in this style is Darren Aronofsky or David Fincher. But t could also be very interesting if Paul Thomas Anderson or Andrew Dominik took over the reigns.
Either Aronofsky, Mann, or Greengrass.
Obviously It Should Be Nolan Who Directs But If For Some Reason He Didn't Return I Think The People Best Suited For The Job Are David Fincher And If Not Him Alfonso Cuarón.
If Nolan doesn't come back, they must not continue in his Batuniverse. So start again, I think but have a different director each time, different writers each time, a different Batman each time, maybe, and have "Essays in Batman."
Of course, that would never happen, but I really hope that someone doesn't try and work in Nolan's universe. And I hope if Nolan goes, Bale goes. Not because I dislike Bale, but because that particular avenue of excellence should be closed off. Because anyone else would screw it up.
@mrbubbles157: That was exactly what I was thinking. Kevin Smith and Favreau would be interesting.
The director of Taken and District 13, he provides style along with the gritt, a perfect fit for the Nolan-verse.
THE ONLY THREE THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THE NEXT BATMAN FILM.
1. DAVID FINCHER(this man is made for a dark comicbook film)
2.Timur Bekmanbetov ( I think he's more suited for the BatMan vs Superman film!)
3. "Alex Proyas!!! (The Crow and Dark City) i cant believe none said Alex" Jericho.
im with Jericho on this 100%! Think about the images in both of these movies, hell we were looking at Chris Nolan's Batman even BEFORE Chris made them lol!
Nolan would definitely be my first and initially only choice. No Nolan – No Batman.
Interesting ideas though, Aronofsky, Cuaron and Bekmambetov make me have second thoughts.
Batman can survive without Nolan, it has for how long, has everyone forgot??
Aronofsky's idea sounds great, but would require another re-haul of the series and that won't happen.
Nolan will direct it, and it will be what everyone expects. I'm not sure yet if that's the best thing, but it will be a solid film. Personally, and yeah I'll say it, if Heath Ledger was still alive, The Dark Knight would not have been so sensational. It was a great film but I can take myself out of the sentimental position and say that it was flawed.
Im excited to see what Nolan will do.
DAVID FINCHER, DAVID FINCHER!!! This guy is a genius with dark, stylish movies. If he wasn't interested in doing it than i would have to say get Paul Dini somehow involved…his video game Arkham Asylum has a great feel and look to it. No matter who does Batman 3…lets get Harley Quinn in it.
i think that johnny depp should play the riddler he's great in any role and they should bring the joker back who is better to play the joker than daniel day lewis who admired heath ledger performance in brokeback mountain and dedicated his BAFTA Screen Actors Guild for his performance in there will be blood to heath ledger daniel day lewis would be perfect for the role because he is a method actor he would get in to the role so deep that it would probably be the closes performance to heath ledger IT WOULD BE AWESOME TO SEE THE JOKER BACK ON SCREEN!! or johnny depp could play the joker because he has a dark side in him like in sweeney todd one of the best performance i ever seen! and philip seymour hoffman would be awesome as the penguin he like daniel day lewis or johnny depp can get in to the role he is one of the best actors out there! i also read that seymour hoffman doesnt want to play the penguin but he should reconsider! they should make him a good deal so he would take that role if he still doesnt take the role than i think ray winstone should be the penguin because he his the tough guy look and his performance in king arthur, proposition and departed is some of his best actoring he would be a perfect penguin if the next batman cast has these actors in it who wouldnt want to see it! and with those actors including of couse christian bale still as batman also the director chris nolan this movie would have ocars written all over it!!!!
Steve Speilberg or Martin Scorsese
Ang Lee
anyone
how about hey just dont make it.
No Nolan, no franchise. I'm all good with the inevitable Film but if you're going to pass the baton, start over. Personally I can't stand it when trilogies or quadrupolies don't match up e.g.- X-Men, Batman(90's),Superman, Star Wars, etc. The point is don't try and tell Nolans story without him or his blessing, I believe he's earned that right. As far as directors go on the next Batman film (not in this particular franchise) I like Aronafsky, Abrams, P.T.A., Spike Lee, Woody Allen(JK, but imagine that), Cuaron is dope, I love even though he's making that awful facebook "movie". As to any of these people having time for making this film I'm people would be willing to rearrange their schedules.
Bale already said that if Nolan doesn't come back, he will not either. I personally don't want to see a third in the series w/o Nolan and/or Bale. I think that if we fanboys give Nolan some time to get a great story together and cast the right actors, then our patience will be rewarded. If the unwanted happens and Nolan decides to step down from the director's chair, I would hope someone like Aranofsky or Fincher would be chosen if they must continue Nolan's vision, but would rather WB wait for 10 years or so and restart the Batman movies. David S. Goyer is another name I wouldn't mind directing a third movie due to his involvement witht the previous two, but his work on "The Unborn" was not that great. All in all, I do think that WB will go through with a third movie with or without Nolan, but I hope that the studio will give Nolan some time to think and craft a movie to top "TDK". In Nolan we trust!
i would destroy the copy of batman if that pathetic excuse for a director micheal bay made it … i hope that man doesn't get mentioned around a batman movie ever again …. or ill explode.
Paul Verhoeven or Peter Weirt.
Ask the men behind Smallville: Gough, Millar. They already know the superhero franchise and are well familiar with dark, edgy material (wanted, upcoming kick-ass). To me, it seems like a sure fit, however scheduling and other projects may not permit, but, hey, its always worth a shot! As always, love the site!! keep up the good intel!!!
Seriously, Johnny Depp? He doesn't act. In every role he's either just "Johnny Depp" or "Johnny Depp trying an accent." I don't see where he would be any better as the Riddler than Jim Carrey.
No Kevin Smith, his ego is already big enough after a handful of terrible self-referencing movies, and I don't care how many comic books he writes.
Danny Boyle? If anything, his direction of Slumdog looked like a Bollywood Joel Schumacher. I can't believe anyone mentioned him at all.
No one. If Nolan doesn;t direct it should be left alone. Could you imagine the travesty of finally having two outstanding films then losing all we want in a terrible 3rd act? It would be what the godfather was like for non-comic book fans lol, Or another X-men travesty.
The thought of Christian Bale's Batman without the direction of Chris Nolan is not something I like contemplating; however, eventually Mr. Nolan (and I assume, Mr. Bale) will give up the reigns of the franchise to yet another director – let's just pray that when that day does arrive the director's last wont rhyme with Schmuckheimer.
I have to admit, I'm turned on by the idea of Darren Aronofsky. I too believe that Batman should get the "hard-R" treatment at some point. Go full Frank Miller and see what ensues. But, I just don't think that's a viable option. Now, the idea of David Fincher is very intriguing; I'm sure he'd bring a certain dark visual flourish and we all know he can bring great performances from his actors. Also, the idea of Fincher bringing in some of his more prestigious alums (Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helen Bonham Carter, Rob Downey Jr.) to star in Batman 3 frankly gives me chills.
But, my friends, I have an even bolder suggestion which I hope will be debated over endlessly :-) What do y'all think about Tim Burton? Now, before you bite my head off, consider this. In 1989, when Batman was released it was the darkest comic-book-to-film adaptation to ever hit screens. In 1991, with the release of Batman Returns, Burton took the series to even darker depths, particularly with his interpretations of Catwoman and The Penguin.
Now, I'm fully aware of the distinct differences between Burton's Batman and Nolan's. While Nolan went for a more "realistic" and functional Dark Knight, Burton's was pure fantasy; however, perhaps more in the style of actual comic books.
Still the thought of Burton returning to the world of the Caped Crusader, not to mention the possibility of him using long-time collaborator Johhny Depp in the role of The Riddler or the Penguin, I think this choice deserves discussion.
What does everyone think?
Nolan or nothing. He's put The Caped Crusader to the place where he belongs, he has showed the Dark Batman we all wanted to see. He even gave us the greatest villain of all times at his best shape. I think no one could take Nolan's mantle without blewing the franchise away. And by the way, that Darren Aronofsky's history with Year One is simply stupid and lame.
If the guys at WB are smart enough, they know they have to be patient with Chris Nolan, because he is the way to success with The Batman franchise.
Also, if Nolan's doesn't returns, Christian Bale said that it would be very difficult for him to do another movie.
It's my opinion, that's all. I'm a huge Batman fan, and I want a third Batman directed by Nolan. At the end of TDK, Batman has become Gotham's villain, and he can't stay like that, he needs to redeem himself, and Nolan knows that's a task he must fullfill. It's just a matter of time until he finds a good story to film.
I really hope Nolan is back for a third movie, but the only other director I could see having a similar vision to his would be Michael Mann. The only downside to that is that Mann probably wouldn't do it, which is too bad.
J.J Abrams and Paul Greengrass = definitely not.
Though I think many of the aforementioned directors would "slide" into the tone already set, Guillermo Del Toro would be a unique approach.
You know, I am seeing Ninja Assassin tomorrow and it made me think of James McTeigue. I love V for Vendetta and think he may be a solid choice…
None of those directors could just pick up where Nolan left off. The difference between Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and someone else's Batman would be night and day. You can always tells when a different Director comes in for a sequel. Rush Hour 3, The Mummy 3, Rocky 2,3,4. It just lacks the touch the original Director had that made the films special.
I especially wouldn't watch some experimental style like Aronofsky imagined. That story of his is such a joke, what an insult to the character, the franchise and fans.
Part 3 is Nolan's. I Just don't see him backing out, especially with WB obviously giving him a tremendous paycheck to return. As much as the studio is dying for Part 3, I'm sure they would be nervous handing it over to someone other than Nolan to continue.
@Lady Galaga: @Randy: Seriously Johnny Depp doesnt act is that why he is nominated 3 times for a Oscar for Best Actor and you say he doesnt act are You Kidding Me!!! You need to do your research. He doesnt act who are you kidding lol hahahah!!!!
@fan: I agree with Fan about Daniel Day-Lewis being the next Joker because in all his movie he diggs so deep into his character that he becomes them. When you watch his movie your watching the character come alive and you believe he is that charater. You're not watching Daniel Day-Lewis your watching the character he is play. Like in Gangs of New York he becomes the Bucther or There Will Be Blood he becomes the oil man Daniel Plainview. Daniel Day-Lewis is a true actor and he could be a next Joker. What do you guys think?
I think Nolan is the best person to continue Batman 3, becasue he has set a new trend in the comic superhero series. But if they is anyone to replace him, I think we have a quite a big list pf probables.
Sam Raimi – The movie would be loved by children if he takes.
Ethan & J.Coen – Movie will be a dark thriller
Del Toro – Movie will be a fantasy thriller
Peter Jackson – Some part of Batman would be shot in the exotic locales of New Zealand.
Jason Reitman – The movie would look simple like a light romantic comedy.
Marc Foster – Slow and steady
Clint Eastwood – Hillary Swank is the new Bat girl. Eastwood is the new Batman.
Eastwood replaces Hans Zimmer for the original score.
Shekar Kapur – Batman costumes are altered
Michael Bay – Destructions unlimited. You are sure to see an awesome car chase scene. Movie would travel to multiple locations. There would be a scene showing
Batman walking in slow motion and a voice over depicitng him to be the hero for the people of the United States of America.
James Cameron – Sure to be cool. Comic tale becomes sci-fi tale.
Roland Emmerich – The Villain is set to destroy the world. The story revolves around how Batman saves the people from the artificial, earthquakes, volcanoes, Tsunamis and twisters artificially created by the villain.
Quentin Tarantino – Yellow subtitles. Story divided into chapters. Old music. Zoom out and Zoom in of the characters eyers during a fight. Batman and the Villain would have a sword fight.
Gus Van Sant – Batman is Gay.
Joel Schumacher – Another shit movie.
Martin Scorcese – Di Caprio is the new Batman.
Robert Zemeckis – Batman animated.
Wachowski Bros. – Death defying stunts.
Tim Burton – Batman Vs. Jack the Ripper. Johnny Depp is the new Batman.
Danny Boyle – Batman comes to Bombay. Falls in love with Latika. The rest of the movie is how he wins her over Jamal, who is currently contesting for "Who wants to be a Trillionaire"
Tony Scott – Denzel Washington is the new Batman.
Judd Apatow – Rom com revolving around how Batman and the Joker pose to be gay and win over cat girl.
Christopher Nolan – The perfect dark Batman Movie.
Nolan, You Rock !!!!
1.Wachowski Bros! can you Imagine what they could do with a Batman vs Bane vs Harley Quinn Vs The Riddler? AMAZING!
2.Alex Proyas!
3.David Fincher!
I must go with one of the few directors whoz movies could also reach the billion $$$ mark, Gore Verbinski, he can handle big budget films.
I disgaree about James Cameron…I think Cameron could do a good job on this and indeed any movie. He is a surperb director in all respects.
How about a Quinten Tarrantino directed Batman 3…
scene 1
Alfred: "You know Rachel didn't actually love you…she chose…"
Batman: "I don't remember asking you a God damn thing!"
Alfred: "what?"
Batman: "say what one more time motherfucker…I dare you…I double dare you…"
LOL
@Nitin:
LMAO that was a fantastic summary lol
@CB1986: He also did The Unborn
I could see Peter Jackson realistically. What couldn't that guy put down on celluloid after doing the LOTR trilogy ?!
I agree with Fan and Liam if there going to be a person who is going to be the next Joker it should be Daniel Day Lewis! Because like Fan and Liam said he is one of the best actors out there. He is one of the most selective and most successful actor! If Chris Nolan is going to bring Joker back the one who should take Heath Ledger place is Daniel Day Lewis. Why because he is a method actor he bring the Jokers darkside out like
Heath Ledger did and he Daniel Day Lewis has a dark side in Gangs Of New York and There Will Be Blood. He will bring the Heath Ledger Joker character out I have no doubt!!! Chris Nolan should direct the next Batman movie and Daniel Day Lewis should be consider for the Joker if Chris Nolan brings back the Joker. What do you guys think ?
Sorry but Nolan is not THAT amazing now. To be honest, anyone with knowledge on how to make a superhero movie people will like will know that it must be along the lines of Iron Man, Batman Begins, etc. for it to be really good for the series.
Some people find this really hard to do (Tim Burton did apparently, so did Joel even though he just loved the 60's series too much) for some reason.
Alex Proyas, Zack Synder, David Goyer, Frank Miller…any one of them would make an equally good movie. It obviously depends on script writing as well; it's not all about some amazing director with a vision. It's about doing Batman correctly. Making the movie itself (directing, months and months of production, etc.) is the difficult part; making the story and maping it out over 2 hours 30 mins is not. At least i don't understand how it could be.
I mean there just taking someone else's story and filming it, right?
Writing a remake would probably be harder.
@ Seiko
Nolan was the co-writer AND director for the Batman movies. He also oversaw almost every aspect of it's production. So it is primarily HIS vision and HIS doing.
Plus, given the track records of the directors you listed, I doubt they could churn out anything even half as good as Nolan with the Batman franchise. Movies like Iron Man and Batman Begins are a totally different breed than The Dark Knight. The bar has been raised too high to fall back on those templates. Besides, those are origin films.
The precedent isn't there. There's no template on how to make a successful third movie as you suggest. It's Nolan who may be the first to create that template in the comic book movie world.
Quentin Tarantino. After recently finishing the SUPERB 'Inglourious Basterds' in 2009 and having set a 2014 release date for 'Kill Bill Vol: 3'- the huge five year gap can easily be filled by a foray into the Superhero genre. COOL DIALOGUE. COOL SOUNDTRACK. COOL CHARACTERS. COOL ACTION. COOL MOVIE…
My top four to replace Nolan at the helm….IF he were to not come back….which I hope does not occur.
1. David Fincher
2. Michael Mann
3. Darren Aronofsky
4. Zach Snyder
Daniel Day Lewis should be the next Joker if Chris Nolan isn't going to direct the next Batman film, Warner Bro. should choose a different director and they should cast Daniel Day Lewis as the Joker. But I want Chris Nolan direct it and cast Daniel Day Lewis as the Joker. Daniel Day Lewis is the perfect replacement because he admire Heath Ledgers performance in Brokeback Mountain. He will bring Heath Ledgers Joker back I have no doubt!!!! He has no trouble getting into his role he takes 6 months to get out of his roles so he can bring the Joker back on screen.
please please please keep chris nolan he is the man to pull it off i want him to a thrid batman movie please christian bale you are the perfect batman if chris nolan does not come back i would prefer michael mann to do the thrid batman movie he will be better than chris nolan if chris nolan does come back please bring back harvey two fae back from the dead
Tony Scott, with Denzel Washington as Black Mask :)
David Fincher would be the best choice if Nolan decided to not direct. Zach Snyder isn't that bad of a choice, as long as he keeps the CGI down (Nolan has it down, limited CGI if any).
Tony Scott- longest scene lasts 2.3 seconds; scored by Harry Gregson-Williams
A. Cuaron- 1/2 the movie is shot guerrilla style, last 20 minutes goes uninterupted
Robert Z- Tom Hanks is the new Alfred; scored by Silvestri
Snyder- Shows Batman taking a piss in slow motion on some filthy back alley
P.T Anderson- Gets nominated for an Oscar for Batman 3 but doesn't get it.
Terry Mallick- Bruce Wayne goes off into the wilderness; we hear lots of internal dialogue
Michael Bay- would feature: 360 shots, a badboys 2 poster on Bruce Waynes bedroom wall, an American flag in CGI, and Keith David suggesting "why don't we just nuke the Riddler sky high?"
Please direct Nolan. Please. We believe in you
@Ryan Adams:
I agree, Alfonso Cuarón would be superb.
Are we just naming famous directors? Scorsese, Darren Aronofsky, Fincher, Mann, and to top them all, I even think somone said the Coen Brothers. Give me a break. Have you seen a coen brothers movie recently? They are the polar opposite of commercial and mainstream film. I think people are getting dumber by the minute.
None of the names that I just mentioned are not gonna step into Nolans shoes and try and recreate nolans style for a third film. And why should they? Big name directors wanna do their own thing, and not try and copy cat another guys vision. To directors its about what they wanna do, its their work of art.
Why do you think when all these sequels (to popular movies) get made ( e.g. Terminator Salvation) they always suck ass? Because the studios can only get these hacks (McG) who are dumb enough to think that they can reinvent the wheel, and actually make a decent movie, when these franchises have clearly been sucked dry. The directors who know better run from these projects, like they would run from a smallpox outbreak. Its about pride folks. These guys being mentioned would never consider doing a Batman movie. Think realistically! Now my short list of candidates who could pull off a good sequel.
– David S. Goyer -worked closely along Nolan to develop these movies, clearly has incredible writing talent. Has directing experience. He could use Wally Pfister as his D.P., and this would probably turn out pretty good. No Dark Knight, but pretty good. And if they could get Jonathon Nolan on board to help write, half the work is done right there.
— J.J Abrams could for sure do this. He brings a lot of energy and creativity. Just make sure Orci and Kurtzman dont come anywhere near this.
— Brian Singer is another obvious choice I think as well. I know he took over the whole superman thing and has done the x-men thing. But the usual suspects was incredible, and a real mind-f**k. If they are in fact gonna use the riddler what better way to get back to his roots.
— I do agree with Alex Proyas, but the one drawback here is that the film would almost certainly have an entirely different feel to it. And this may make some fans shy away. I personally think Batman deserves one R-Rated film so they can make it really gritty and intense. Imagine if they did something really spooky and dark, based on like Arkham Asylum a Serious house, on Serious Earth.
All in all, they just better make sure that they dont rush this and end up making a shitty fan-pleaser-effect-driven-wack-off fest.
I rest my case.
@PJ Gorath: You crack me up man your probably right about a lot of stuff. But still you're just shit talking man and it isn't going to be Rated R film. Lol where you come up with this shit. You called every body who named famous directors dumb right? And yet you come up with a Batman Rated R idea hahahaha that for sure isn't going to happen. Why did we all name these famous diectors is because we want a next Batman film to happen thats why. So you say this and that but come on at least we want a new Batman film.
@dont make me laugh: if its a question of revenue or profit from the studio, there have been plenty of R-rated films that have made money hand over fist (did you see 300?). And if you knew anything about TDK you would know they were only a couple jugs of fake blood and a few swear words away from an R rating. Batman is a DARK comic, and I clarify my point about this, if Nolan does not direct than why not? Its still gonna make a boatload of money. It just would be nice to see Batman draw a little blood and also dish out some more real violence and punishment on his assailants. And by the way "don't make me laugh" whoever you are. Next time you try and argue a post, try and type something that resembles a coherent thought. I have read your post like 8 times, and it might as well be in Russian.
@Lady Galaga: Sounds like you hate everyone…Johnny Depp can't act? Boyle, a bad director? I agree that Kevin Smith wouldn't be the best choice.
I hope you're not a Twilight fan.
Depp is not Depp in every role, not at all. I have to respect your willingness to try so hard at being contrary though…The powers that be know that not enough people these days have an opinion of there own, but I would have to disagree. Depp is one of the best actors out there, if he is always himself in a role than I am curious on who you think is a great actor in Hollywood today.
@Leo: I'm not so sure that Daniel would choose this role though…but I agree that he could pull it off, if anyone can, he can. Great actor. I don't think he would want to do Heath's Joker though, he would have too much respect to try to replicate the role, he would make it his own.
@EmiliuS: Denzel is also a great actor, but I don't think it would be able to follow the last film…for obvious reasons…Maybe if they did an entirely new Batman, sure.
@PJ Gorath: You still making joke this guy is funny and by the way the first I reed your posted there I saw it was one in the morning what kind of freak would stay up one in the morning huh? And Dark Knight did so good is in box office is that it was in PG-13 so younger people could see it duh. Every one knows that lol this guy hahahaha you still crack me up man. That was a good one you like shit talking do you. Lol
@Brunk: True but they could set the story where it's years later and the Joker is older and changed. So then Daniel Day-Lewis could bring his own Joker character on screen.