We’re going to have to delve into a few spoilers for the benefit of this next news story, so if you haven’t yet see Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises and you intend to, stop reading now and come back later. 

 

Still with us?

 

Nolan and star Christian Bale have said all along that Rises will be their final chapter in the Batman universe. They understand that Warner Bros. is going to want this particular goose to continue spitting out Golden Eggs, but Bale will not be in the Bat suit and Nolan – so far as he has said – will not be behind the camera directing any more Batman movies. 

 

So where can the studio go? Two options seem to present themselves. One, Joseph Gordon-Levitt can take over as either Batman or Robin (or even Nightwing). Nolan goes so far as to suggest this in the final shot of Rises. Secondly, Anne Hathaway’s free to return as Selina Kyle and her alter ego, Catwoman … either in a sequel or prequel capturing her adventures in Gotham prior to the events of The Dark Knight Rises. 

 

If I had to place a bet, I’d say Warner pursues both options, especially as Hathaway has come out in interviews and admitted she’s interested. Sort of. Under the right circumstances. 

 

"I think it would be lovely to see more of her but only if it's with the right people," Hathaway told Digital Spy in an interview. "She lives in this Gotham City and so it would have to be established by the people who have made this Gotham City. For me, at least." 

 

That means the film would have to come from Nolan or, at the very least, co-writers David S. Goyer and/or Jonathan Nolan, Chris’ brother. And it’s not out of the realm of possibility that either could agree to direct a Catwoman movie, maybe with Chris serving as an executive producer and creative consultant. He has given his consent for a Catwoman movie in other interviews. If Hathaway’s game, you can be sure that discussions are being conducted behind the scenes at WB as we speak. 

 

But how do you prevent Halle Berry’s 2004 travesty, Catwoman, from happening? Can a standalone Catwoman movie work? Or is she best used as a role player in a larger Batman movie. We think Hathaway was great in The Dark Knight Rises. Do you want to see her in her own movie at some point in the future? Let us know.

 

Follow along on Twitter @Sean_OConnell and @Fandango.