The Dark Knight Rises Batman 3 a Midquel?

[spideyman101]

I came up with an idea I've not heard anyone else mention before. An idea that will really please the most amount of fans. Batman 3 begins somewhere during The Dark Knight and about halfway through Batman 3 is the ending of The Dark Knight. In this we get to still have Two-Face as a villain although he is dead after TDK. Cast Aaron Eckhart to return and film pieces such as him escaping the hospital. Show him personally kidnapping Barbara and the kids, and various other evil deeds. As for Joker, either leave his footage as merely what's already in TDK plus whatever extra deleted stuff they may have (there's bound to be something deleted of Joker, even if it's very minimal). Introduce Edward Nashton, who is working on the case to bring down Joker. Right after Joker is caught by the SWAT team after his and Batman's dual in TDK, and after Dent has died, have a cop come to James Gordon and show him a piece of paper with a message from Joker saying that he's not finished yet. On the back of the paper we see a picture of Mayor Anthony Garcia. Gordon runs to the Mayor's office and brings him out of the building just in time for a sharp batarang to be thrown into his chest, killing him. The cops see this and then begin to search for Batman.

Sometime later Gordon is pressured by Councilman Rupert Thorne to destroy the batsignal on top of his building (this being around midway or so of the BM3 film). Gordon, with various photographers and other cops behind him, takes an axe and destroys the signal; Batman on an adjacent building watching in the darkness.

Later in the film the cops are chasing Batman and we see that the end footage to TDK of Batman on his batpod swerving through cars and riding up on a ramp towards a light is actually part of a cop chase that continues on the highway with the cops chasing Batman on his batpod.

Although half of BM3 take place during the events of TDK, only about 20 minutes of footage from TDK is actually shown. The rest is behind the scenes, extra footage of Batman, Two-Face, Riddler, Gordon, etc.

This way the fans that want more of Two-Face will get Two-Face in the next film, without ever raising him from the dead. Folks will get Riddler. Joker will have at least one more assassination attempt (even if he is never shown) and everyone is happy.

Have it all kept as a secret until opening day. I can imagine the excitement as Shadow of the Bat (or whatever it will be called) begins with the warehouse exploding, killing Rachel and maiming Dent. Possibly even film a few more short snippets of Rachel and/or Dent. An expanded edition of TDK with a different twist (Riddler's involvement, etc).

Then after the halfway mark (or even the quarter way mark) the events after TDK begin.

So how about it?

 

[TLH]

Interesting, very interesting.

The only problem I find with this is that you'd be revisiting a story that a.) was already finished perfectly and b.) contains characters we either know the fate of (Two-Face dying) or who can't return without a recast or footage we've already seen (i.e., the Joker).

It's a great idea however, and Nolan might have the skill to pull it off, but in the end it's hardly a safe bet, so I doubt it will ever happen.

 

[spideyman101]

Well one thing's for certain, if anyone can pull it off, it's Christopher Nolan; it'd certainly be a test of his directing ability to do a midquel on a very popular series that already finished perfectly. That is definatly true.

And forgive me prior to saying this, but wouldn't it also be a possibility that someone else could be cast to fill in Joker's role just for a few scenes, such as him being pushed in Arkham, or something just to fill in the gaps?

 

[Laderlappen]

I dont think that's a very good idea. No offence.

 

[Cunning Stunts]

As innovative as it may sound in writing, it's more of a good set up for a TV show.

The Dark Knight was a masterpiece, and I don't want to see it touched, to be honest. I think re-hashing old footage would just be a bad way of trying to milk more out of what you got from TDK.

Batman 3 should stand on its own legs. It's got BB and TDK giving it its backbone, but Batman 3, to be as epic- if not moreso than TDK- needs to be its own movie.

 

[CConn]

Not a bad idea for a story (or maybe a TV show as Cunning Stunts said), but they just don't make major movies using that type of story formula. It's too out there, it's not concrete enough chronologically for mass audiences to really dig it, I think.

And that's not an insult to the concept, It'd just be like fitting a square into a circular hole.

 

[Cunning Stunts]

Not a bad idea for a story (or maybe a TV show as Cunning Stunts said), but they just don't make major movies using that type of story formula. It's too out there, it's not concrete enough chronologically for mass audiences to really dig it, I think.

And that's not an insult to the concept, It'd just be like fitting a square into a circular hole.

You brought up a point I didn't really think of... That only the die-hard fans of The Dark Knight will understand it.

Those of us who have watched it every day since they bought it :-p.

The ones who just saw it once or twice because it was "really cool," will likely have no clue what's going on.

I do like the idea, just- as I said- not for this movie. If they come out with a TV show spin-off, I'd be all for this type of story-telling.

 

[hatebox]

Although quite an interesting idea, it effectively means the first half lacks any real drama as we know what's ultimately going to happen to Dent. At most I'd say it could work for perhaps the first 15 minutes.

 

[CConn]

You brought up a point I didn't really think of... That only the die-hard fans of The Dark Knight will understand it.

Those of us who have watched it every day since they bought it :-p.

The ones who just saw it once or twice because it was "really cool," will likely have no clue what's going on.

I do like the idea, just- as I said- not for this movie. If they come out with a TV show spin-off, I'd be all for this type of story-telling.

Exactly. When you make a major movie you have to kinda...simplify it so everyone - hardcore viewers, fans, critics, AND new, casual and first time viewers can enjoy it. This time of storytelling is not conducive to that.

But, I agree, as just a general story, it's a really cool idea that'd be fun to watch or read if done well.

 

[raybia]

I came up with an idea I've not heard anyone else mention before. An idea that will really please the most amount of fans. Batman 3 begins somewhere during The Dark Knight and about halfway through Batman 3 is the ending of The Dark Knight. In this we get to still have Two-Face as a villain although he is dead after TDK. Cast Aaron Eckhart to return and film pieces such as him escaping the hospital. Show him personally kidnapping Barbara and the kids, and various other evil deeds. As for Joker, either leave his footage as merely what's already in TDK plus whatever extra deleted stuff they may have (there's bound to be something deleted of Joker, even if it's very minimal). Introduce Edward Nashton, who is working on the case to bring down Joker. Right after Joker is caught by the SWAT team after his and Batman's dual in TDK, and after Dent has died, have a cop come to James Gordon and show him a piece of paper with a message from Joker saying that he's not finished yet. On the back of the paper we see a picture of Mayor Anthony Garcia. Gordon runs to the Mayor's office and brings him out of the building just in time for a sharp batarang to be thrown into his chest, killing him. The cops see this and then begin to search for Batman.

Sometime later Gordon is pressured by Councilman Rupert Thorne to destroy the batsignal on top of his building (this being around midway or so of the BM3 film). Gordon, with various photographers and other cops behind him, takes an axe and destroys the signal; Batman on an adjacent building watching in the darkness.

Later in the film the cops are chasing Batman and we see that the end footage to TDK of Batman on his batpod swerving through cars and riding up on a ramp towards a light is actually part of a cop chase that continues on the highway with the cops chasing Batman on his batpod.

Although half of BM3 take place during the events of TDK, only about 20 minutes of footage from TDK is actually shown. The rest is behind the scenes, extra footage of Batman, Two-Face, Riddler, Gordon, etc.

This way the fans that want more of Two-Face will get Two-Face in the next film, without ever raising him from the dead. Folks will get Riddler. Joker will have at least one more assassination attempt (even if he is never shown) and everyone is happy.

Have it all kept as a secret until opening day. I can imagine the excitement as Shadow of the Bat (or whatever it will be called) begins with the warehouse exploding, killing Rachel and maiming Dent. Possibly even film a few more short snippets of Rachel and/or Dent. An expanded edition of TDK with a different twist (Riddler's involvement, etc).

Then after the halfway mark (or even the quarter way mark) the events after TDK begin.

So how about it?

I give you an A for trying to be original but this movie would be a distaster both critically and box office.

This could be a good comic one shot though.

 

[Mastodon123]

It would be a good idea for a prologue for the 3rd film.

 

[Hole Shot]

You brought up a point I didn't really think of... That only the die-hard fans of The Dark Knight will understand it.

Those of us who have watched it every day since they bought it :-p.

The ones who just saw it once or twice because it was "really cool," will likely have no clue what's going on.

Exactly. I know several who didn't even realize that there was a different actress playing Rachel Dawes until I brought it up after the fact, because they saw Begins when it was new, enjoyed it once and then moved on with their lives, unless us.

So imagine what spideyman's story, as creative as it, will do people's heads!

 

[The Chris]

Isn't that a little like Bourne Ultimatum? Just a little.

 

[Lando81]

Midquel = Gotham Knight. OVER

 

[I Am The Knight]

Isn't that a little like Bourne Ultimatum? Just a little.

Yes, actually.

 

[Goodfellas]

No offense

But that is a god awful idea

Yeah sure its original but that would suck as a movie

BAtman 3 should be a new film with new villains

 

[TLH]

Isn't that a little like Bourne Ultimatum? Just a little.

The Bourne Supremacy ended with a scene that occurred halfway through The Bourne Ultimatum, meaning the first hour of Ultimatum occurred between the second-to-last and last scenes of Supremacy.

If they were going to use this kind of idea for Batman 3, they'd have to have already thought it through, or else it would be forced and confusing. The timelines in TDK work perfectly, and there aren't many ambiguous occurrences left to the imagination.

With The Bourne Supremacy, it jumped from Moscow (second last scene) to New York (final scene), and never actually establishes a timeline until the third film. I think it's fair to say the events of TDK -- from Two-Face's creation to his death -- was probably about two days. Not very much to work with.

 

[ross2287]

Sounds more like The Dark Knight 1.5 or something...

 

[Batman1018]

I really like this idea. I feel that after the events of The Dark Knight, with so much in one movie, it might be nice to have this sort of in depth, here's what else happened in the story kind of thing. Personally, I feel Two-face was shortlived, and I would like to se more of him. I have been one of the people since Eckhart's September interview that quote him only saying "Harvey's dead," never anything about Two-face. Yet after the BD'Live event on the 18th, Nolan confirmed Two-face is dead. Your idea could allow the fans like me who selfishly want a bit more to have it. Dent's story was great and Eckhart was billiant, but Two-face killing five people, kidnapping Gordon's family and dying isn't enough for me.

Unfortunately, I must agree with those around me in that I believe because of the general public we will most likely not see a story told in this fashion. It is a shame because it could work very well. However, Nolan was asked in the aforementioned BD-Live event about the five people who died at Harvey's hand that Batman is now taking responsibility for. His response was that the question would be answered at a later time. During the event, he also mentioned that he and Goyer are working on astory that they are very well interested in telling.

Now I am just thinking out loud, but does it seem so crazy to believe that a big part of the story could revolve around the Den't killings and therefore this entire midquel idea may not be so off color? I think that in terms of feeling, this third film will feel and speak much like TDK, more so than TDK reflected of BB.

 

[Goodfellas]

How could anyone like this idea?

Because its original people automatically like it?Thats stupid


I think people need to stop worrying how this movie will compare to TDK and just hope that its a good Batman movie and worthy follow up to a classic movie

 

[Mastodon123]

How could anyone like this idea?

Because its original people automatically like it?Thats stupid


I think people need to stop worrying how this movie will compare to TDK and just hope that its a good Batman movie and worthy follow up to a classic movie

I think people are just worried about it becoming a 2nd sequel failure.Who knows, TDK could turn out being Star Wars, while the 3rd film is The Empire Strikes Back of the trilogy.

 

[Anjow1060]

Crappy movie idea.

Amazing fan film idea.

- Jow

 

[Wesley Dodds]

This idea would be a massive cop-out for the next movie... Hugely disappointing. However, for a segment in the inevitable next "Gotham Knight" Batmanime DVD i like it a lot.

 

[DCnightwing23]

Hmmm then why not add those things as like Deleted Scenes in the DVD??? You cant make a 2 hour movie and a great movie with ideas that should be deleted scenes

 

[ross2287]

Who knows, TDK could turn out being Star Wars, while the 3rd film is The Empire Strikes Back of the trilogy.

My gosh, is that even possible?