The Dark Knight Rises Nolan not coming back?

[Charlie The Red]

Cunning Stunt:

There's no direct quote anywhere from Nolan saying that he's returning for the third film, writing the script, etc. Just because IESB says that a friend says that Nolan is working on a script doesn't make it actual fact. That's all we're saying.

It's not that big of a deal dude. Just move on.

 

[TheScarecrow]

I think Nolan has announced that he's returning for the sequel, but I think people just kind of ignored it because he never said "I'm coming back for the sequel". What have we been told time and time again by Chris and others involved in his Batman moies?

Roven: "The most important thing right now like we did with the last one is that we want to make sure there is a reason to make it. In other words feel like we can do something different than we had done before. We felt we had accomplished that. If we find that again, then I think we'll come back to the floor. If we don't, I don't know what we'll do."

Horn: "The story is everything [to Chris] and we are very respectful of Chris."

Nolan: "Is there a story that’s going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one? That’s the overriding question."

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Now, here's some more comments from Nolan from December last year. The first is from a USA Today interview which noted:

Nolan says he is jotting notes and doing some rough outlines for a third story, but he hasn't yet found anything he's willing to commit to film, despite Warner Bros.' eagerness to get a new film underway.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-12-07-dark-knight-nolan_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

The second is a comment which Nolan made in the Bluray chat thing which a lot of people just seemed never to notice. I cannot find a direct transcript of the event, but more or less he said that him and Goyer had been talking and had found a story they were both very interested in.

Two months later, IGN broke the news that Chris' name had been submitted to the Writer's Guild as working on the film. It's by no means concrete, but there HAS been news about it - people are just expecting an announcement of everything that's happening which (if you remember the development of TDK) was never going to happen.

Chris Nolan will not even mention doing Batman 3 until WB officially announces the film, which probably wont be for another year.

 

[jmc]

He needs some sort of redemption. Not necessarily the kind where everyone gains his trust, but one where the majority realize he's doing good for Gotham and he'll always be there whether they like it or not. Having that kind of redemption doesn't mean Nolan literally has to put a full on ending to the third film. He can still leave it open for Batman to fight the good fight, but at least redeem him in the eyes of the police as well as the rest of Gothams citizens.

And it's cliched.

There's a fairly clear arc for the character of Batman.

BB is about Bruce discovering his calling to protect the innocent and keep everyone from the pain he suffered. It goes through him learning all the tools, and what he needs to know, to form Batman. It then goes into him becoming Batman, and his struggles to finally establish Batman in Gotham.

TDK is about Bruce Wayne, already established as Batman, slowly realizing that fixing Gotham, and being Batman, is not going to be a short term thing. It's also about him fully realizing the challenges being Batman presents him with, and what kind of men he's going to have to fight while being Batman. It's also about him realizing that he has to be prepared to do almost anything to protect Gotham as Batman, even condemn himself in the public's eyes.

On a more basic trend, it's following the well used theme of

Young man becomes hero, struggles, learns, and grows and finally establishes himself as hero.

Established hero is discontent with reality of what he is and what he may have to stay, and with all he may have to give up to be a hero, as well as the struggles of a dual life.

Going with this theme, the next logical step (and the step that is usually done in an arc like this) would be the hero coming fully to terms with all he has to give up, completely accepting his role, and settling into a normal balance between his two identities.

I'd argue that he has comes to term with the commitment he's made in TDK, Rachel and Dent's deaths more or less sealed it.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Well what about his feelings of the loss of Dent and Rachel? I think it could be interesting to explore Bruce's feelings of guilt again. Perhaps what happened in TDK makes him relapse into the feelings of guilt for his parents death? He has to battle those inner demons again, whilst dealing with being hunted by law enforcement organizations and other villains.

 

[DACrowe]

Nolan does a big experimental blockbuster for Warners and they don't get something in return?

He will be back. Indeed.

 

[jmc]

Well what about his feelings of the loss of Dent and Rachel? I think it could be interesting to explore Bruce's feelings of guilt again. Perhaps what happened in TDK makes him relapse into the feelings of guilt for his parents death? He has to battle those inner demons again, whilst dealing with being hunted by law enforcement organizations and other villains.

We've never truly seen a superhero movie where the lead genuinely struggles or even collapses under the pressure, something like that would be different.

 

[Mr. Earle]

I still don't get comic fans obsession with trilogies. They didn't only write 3 Batman comics, it's an ongoing story you know. They can do as many or as little as they wish. I think people frame things in this Star Wars mold for some reason. Why not 5 Nolan/Batman films? Or why not just the 2? Besides, till there's solid news from Nolan this is all conjecture.

Amen to that. I am sure Nolan will want to quit the franchise because
a) He is not a comic book geek
b) he wants to do other things, not just batman films.

But i hope he keeps on. I certainly dont want Snyder on the franchise translating comic books on screen. Good or bad, at least Nolan did his own thing, interpreted things his own way, made new innovative vehicles, suits, characters, etc. AND THAT MAKES HIM A TRUE VISIONARY DIRECTOR.

Now, if Nolan doesnt want to do a 4th, then i believe that the right thing to do would be to leave the door open for others to continue. Just like the "Batman" montly comic changes writers from time to time but the continuity remains, i think that the films should have a continuity as well. It would help the audience in a big way. Nolan set up the beginning, someone else can take it further. Its a never ending story and it doesnt need "elseworlds" stories by different directors. Hopefully, the change that will come with the new director will be small (smaller than the change from Burton to Schumacher).
Nolan's world is maybe too "realistic" but especially in Begins, it left many doors open for the unrealistic (TDK was basically "Heat 2"). In my opinion, BB reminded me a lot of BTAS. It was almost like a live action BTAS (and the animated series wasnt really that unrealistic). So i could see the new director doing Poison Ivy, Freeze, Mad Hatter, etc and opening new doors.

I would be very happy if they did a Superman/Batman film as well. The BTAS/STAS crossover was pure gold and that proves that it can be done right.

 

[Cunning Stunts]

Cunning Stunt:

There's no direct quote anywhere from Nolan saying that he's returning for the third film, writing the script, etc. Just because IESB says that a friend says that Nolan is working on a script doesn't make it actual fact. That's all we're saying.

It's not that big of a deal dude. Just move on.

I know that doesn't make it fact, but I thought I'd seen an interview somewhere that stated he was working on the script (or something), probably the one with David Goyer on G4. That whole thing sparked because Alex likes to rip on every post I make.

 

[Venom'sDad]

I still don't get comic fans obsession with trilogies. They didn't only write 3 Batman comics, it's an ongoing story you know. They can do as many or as little as they wish.

He maybe getting out because of the "Trilogy Curse" Think about... fans was not the only ones thinking that Sam Raimi would break the curse.

 

[Figs]

And it's cliched.

I'd argue that he has comes to term with the commitment he's made in TDK, Rachel and Dent's deaths more or less sealed it.

How is it cliched exactly?

I guess it would be better in your eyes for Nolan to actually put a final ending on the third film. Like having Batman die or something like that.

 

[redfirebird2008]

Nolan does a big experimental blockbuster for Warners and they don't get something in return?

What, the hundreds upon hundreds of millions of dollars of pure profit that they made on TDK wasn't enough?

 

[jmc]

How is it cliched exactly?

Coz the 'redemption' angle where the people turn to the discarded hero in their time of need has been done to death, it's just too easy and too predictable a direction to go.

I guess it would be better in your eyes for Nolan to actually put a final ending on the third film. Like having Batman die or something like that.

Ah no, I said earlier that Batman's saga is a never ending one, hence why I've got no problem with TDK being the last film in the series.

 

[Crook]

Coz the 'redemption' angle where the people turn to the discarded hero in their time of need has been done to death, it's just too easy and too predictable a direction to go.

I'm absolutely sure you can find many cliches found in both of Nolan's Batman films. It's not so much the direction, but the application or execution of "tired" ideas, that make them fresh and exciting. In this day and age where it's a near impossibility to come up with something not influenced or derived from a previous work, that's what artists have to rely on.

 

[Darlton]

the 'redemption' angle where the people turn to the discarded hero in their time of need has been done to death, it's just too easy and too predictable a direction to go.

I, for once, agree with this. People use the redemption word a little bit too much, without stopping to think what it's being implied. I don't think Batman needs any redemption, since he has done anything wrong... at least, not with the Dent thing. And even if that was the case, redemption doesn't lie in being well seen by the public again. Especially not with a public that grants him pardon as soon as a major crisis unfolds.

But I do agree in Batman not being fully-developed yet. His methods can be improved. He took step in the right direction seperating himself from the justice system by taking the fall for Dent. That's how he ws trying to keep more "reactions" like the Joker from emerging. BUT he's also going to find out that not receiving Gordon's support it's an obstacle for his already difficult work. An obstacle he can't afford to have ofr much more time.

He doesn't seem completely aware of all the gears that make Gotham what it is and he's not doing all he can do. He could be doing much more for the city than donning a cape and fighting until death. But he's not going to understand that until he can comprehend his city much more and how society work. He seems to be very blind when it comes to criminals and fighting for a system that can be very cruel and still be within the boundaries of the Law.

I'm also sure he's going to find himself in a very, very distressed emotional state. Whoever says the contrary just doesn't know the character or is overestimating him. And he MUST control that emotional turmoil. It is very important for him to do so because, if he succumbs to his inner demons, if he can't take it, then the gothamites are going to lose their best (and only) protector.

There, three areas to explore that have little to do with "Redemption". At least, the redemption that implies being loved again by public opinion. Please, tell me if some of those ideas are clichés too.

 

[jmc]

I'm absolutely sure you can find many cliches found in both of Nolan's Batman films. It's not so much the direction, but the application or execution of ''tired'' ideas, that make them fresh and exciting. In this day and age where it's a near impossibility to come up with something not influenced or derived from a previous work, that's what artists have to rely on.

I'm not gonna argue that and in fact I agree that the execution is more important than the idea itself, but as I said the 'redemption' thing I feel is just too predictable a direction to go from here and to be honest, I think I'd be disappointed in Nolan if that's the way he went, irrespective of how well he pulled it off, coz I'm sure the guy can come up with something a bit more unique.

 

[Charlie The Red]

I'm personally more keen on the theme of "identity." Especially if all the rumblings about Catwoman, Black Mask and the Riddler come to fruition...that's a theme that really works perfectly with all of those characters. As long as they bring the focus back to Bruce Wayne/Batman, I'll be happy.

 

[Alex Logan]

Cunning Stunt:

There's no direct quote anywhere from Nolan saying that he's returning for the third film, writing the script, etc. Just because IESB says that a friend says that Nolan is working on a script doesn't make it actual fact. That's all we're saying.

It's not that big of a deal dude. Just move on.

Thank you.

I know that doesn't make it fact, but I thought I'd seen an interview somewhere that stated he was working on the script (or something), probably the one with David Goyer on G4. That whole thing sparked because Alex likes to rip on every post I make.

No, wrong. It started because you made a statement that wasn't true.

 

[Venom'sDad]

Just to playing devil's advocate... give me a good reason why Nolan wouldn't come back?

 

[Infinity9999x]

And it's cliched.

I'd argue that he has comes to term with the commitment he's made in TDK, Rachel and Dent's deaths more or less sealed it.

We have no idea if he's set or come to terms with it at all. Rachel's death had him in a state of depression, and we haven't seen how the long term effect of Dent's death will play out on him.

We do see him making the decision to become a villain for the good of the city, but we don't see how he's going to react to the strain of that, or if he'll be able to, or want to, continue coping with that responsibility. We saw the beginning of his acceptance of his role, but not the full development of it.

And besides that, there's still the issue of finally learning to balance his two lives, and coming to a healthy medium (if you can ever call a balance between two lives healthy).

 

[Charlie The Red]

Just to playing devil's advocate... give me a good reason why Nolan wouldn't come back?

Poor story...tired of Batman...tired of action movies. Hell, who knows? How many different ways can a person die?

 

[jmc]

We have no idea if he's set or come to terms with it at all. Rachel's death had him in a state of depression, and we haven't seen how the long term effect of Dent's death will play out on him.

We do see him making the decision to become a villain for the good of the city, but we don't see how he's going to react to the strain of that, or if he'll be able to, or want to, continue coping with that responsibility. We saw the beginning of his acceptance of his role, but not the full development of it.

And besides that, there's still the issue of finally learning to balance his two lives, and coming to a healthy medium (if you can ever call a balance between two lives healthy).

As far as I'm concerned the moment he took the fall for Dent was the full acceptance of the role, 'I'm what ever Gotham needs me to be' I think is the line he used, to me that's someone acknowledging and accepting his fate. Yes, whether he copes with the pressure or not is a different story entirely but not one that needs to be told. I want to point out that I'm not against a third film, I just don't think one should be made for the sake of it.

Just to playing devil's advocate... give me a good reason why Nolan wouldn't come back?

There's a hundred reasons why someone wouldn't want to return.

 

[C. Lee]

ALEX LOGAN.....CUNNING STUNTS.....just ignore each other if you can't discuss things without getting into a fight.

 

[Venom'sDad]

Poor story...tired of Batman...tired of action movies. Hell, who knows? How many different ways can a person die?

There's a hundred reasons why someone wouldn't want to return.

Yeah, I know that, but I'm saying give me one legit reason why people here thinks he's not coming back?
I mean... did he say he was tired, burnt out, no ideas, Warner dictating terms, wants to do other fims, take a break..... what?

 

[Darlton]

Just to playing devil's advocate... give me a good reason why Nolan wouldn't come back?

To prove money can't buy everything.
I'm kidding, of course. It can.

But I know what you mean. There's absolutely no indication on whether or not Nolan will return. It only speculation at this point, since no side has any evidence supporting their case.

I'm personally more keen on the theme of "identity." Especially if all the rumblings about Catwoman, Black Mask and the Riddler come to fruition...that's a theme that really works perfectly with all of those characters. As long as they bring the focus back to Bruce Wayne/Batman, I'll be happy.

Agreed. Finding a healthy balance between both indentites, coming to terms with living in the edge of never being accepted by society, controlling inner demons, all those are acceptable terms. And it proves the point of how selecting characters can provide you with the theme and not vice versa.

 

[Eric Brooks]

We've never truly seen a superhero movie where the lead genuinely struggles or even collapses under the pressure, something like that would be different.

I've been reading at various places that there's an Iron Man storyline out there where he does just that, collapses under the pressure and goes into a drunken slump.

I'm hoping we get something along those lines in an Iron Man film as Stark definitley seems like a character that would go through something like that, moreso than Wayne