The Dark Knight Rises All this emphasis on villains, but consider..

[JDym]

If for whatever reason Nolan decides to return for a third Batman film, it will almost certainly be the last one he does. This much we know. With that in mind, it seems the majority of people are too focused on the possible villains. Don't get me wrong, it's very important-- Heath's contribution made TDK for me, even with all the other amazing aspects.

But let's consider something else-- if Nolan would be "wrapping" up his Batman arch with this one, is it possible it's not going to be another film that just "picks up" right after the previous one? I'd hope so. I'm not asking for Bale to be playing a significantly older version of Batman, but a lapse of time could be very interesting. Thus far, we've dealt with his origins and his decisions that tie in to the creations of this symbol. We then got the consequences of such decisions and the difficulties and choices that arise from said things.

While I believe that there could be a lot more done in a movie that deals with post-TDK events, it isn't absolutely necessary. Technically, Joker and Two-Face's archs were given some sort of closure. Now, I don't want to start a debate over whether or not they deserve to be continued-- there are plenty of other threads for that.

For me, the best part of TDK was Batman out of breath and on his knees when The Joker was hanging upside from the building. While I don't remember Joker's specific line, it was something that caused Batman to have a physical reaction (coupled with his exhaustion) that appeared as if he was saying "No more, please". We've already seen the physical effects of Batman as well as the impact he has on others, but I'd like to see more of the psychological element.

Rachel's letter talked about his sanity being kept in check by continuing to be Batman. What if this third movie took place some years later? What would he be like by then? There is a "TDK Returns" thread already, but hopefully this thread can discuss the possibilities of a movie in which some passage of time has occurred but not quite yet the whole "retired" Batman angle.

 

[Rishi]

I do agree that some time must pass before the next one.

The effects of being batman on bruce, the stigma from dent's crimes, and everything must have a real impact on the next film.

 

[Nepenthes]

I agree with all your points. A time-gap of only a single year though (as was in TDK) would be enough to put distance from Two-Face and Joker and show the effects of a long hard year on the run. Three years would move forward to a more slightly different Batman but more importantly, Gotham City, which it seems is what you're kinda talking about. Five years on and Robin needs be getting into the picture if he's not already there. Either option would be interesting.