2008 is most definitely too far away. I'm not gonna look forward to the teaser or any comic-con footage next year to pre-determine how great or not the dark knight will be. personally, when the first pics of batman and the teaser were released I feared the film was going to be mediocre. at first glance the costume really didn't do it for me. I understood that it would be bruce wayne's first take on the outfit but I didn't understand why the color black was the only color to the costume (except for the utility belt). hearing that ra's al guhl would be the main villain didn't excite me, neither. while a formidable adversary he's never really possessed much visual flare.
THEN the movie came out. the costume was perfect, the story made it be. ra's al guhl was the perfect introduction to the new franchise, the story made him be. that's what ****ed up the last two films before 'begins.' crazy, elaborate, colorful costumes and no good story or characters to make it worth watching.
I can't wait for the dark knight. Ledger sounds like this take on the joker is one that will be greatly reverred by fans from all corners. the story... I just don't have any doubts about it. whether or not they change up batman's costume doesn't concern me. but, if I had a choice I'd say keep it the way it is. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."