Well, I just got back from what I can say was, without a doubt, one of my favorite movie experiences of the year: seeing The Dark Knight at my local theater for only $2. This was my second time seeing this movie, because I was stunned at how beautiful and amazing the movie was the first time I saw it. Also, I had to go back, because I wanted to see if there were things i missed, ad what clues I could find about the future of the series. But, mainly, I went back to see that goddamn hospital scene again (it was fucking great, wasn't it!!!). Now, with a second showing under my belt, I thought I should share with all of you what I think the 3rd film has in store for us.

What Does The Future Hold?

After having seen the movie again (and taking notes), I'm glad to say that I believe I know exactly which villain(s) will be in the next movie. Well, I've at least narrowed it down to a few suspects. Of course, a few of my choices I had to cut, because of the way Chris Nolan has set up his vision of Batman: no campy action, or supernatural creatures. So, with my writings and knowledge in hand, here's a list of a few possible candidates for the next Batman villain.

(Here's where some spoilers come into play.)

Catwoman



Basic Generalization: Of course, this is the most likely candidate in most people's eyes: get any hot leading lady, slip her into tight black leather, and you've got a movie. Easy. Also, Nolan could easily fit her into his Batman universe, since she's not as wacky as some of Batman's other villains.

Movie Clues: One scene early on in the movie shows Bruce Wayne talking with Lucius Fox about the new Batsuit design. Bruce asks if the suit is more-or-less dog proof. Lucius says that it might not hold up to a dog, but "might be good against cats." That, more or less, seemed like a slap in the face.

Played By:

Angelina Jolie. Well, duh. Have you seen her in any movie she's ever been in? She would be perfect; she's sexy, beautiful, and a great actress. I need not say more.

Black Mask



Basic Generalization: One of the lesser-known-but-awesome Batman villains, Black Mask was a former childhood "friend" of Bruce Wayne, who has an intense hatred for him in the comics. After Bruce embarrassed him in front of his company, he destroyed his mother's ebony coffin, creating a mask from the splintered pieces. He then created a crime syndicate (called the False Face Society), and began his reign as a pain in the ass not only to Bruce Wayne, but Batman as well. With the big focus on the mob and crime families in Nolan's movies, Black Mask and his crew would fit perfectly in the next film. Plus, for the longest time, it was rumored that he would be the villain in The Dark Knight. So, it would be relatively easy to put him in the next movie.

Movie Clues: Harvey Dent, with the help of the police and Batman, was able to put away both the Falconi and Maroni crime families by linking them together as one main organization, and hurling thousands of charges at them in court. This leaves the streets of Gotham clean. This also means that a new crime family could rise up and take over Gotham.

Played By:

John Cusak. Arguably, one of the best actors in Hollywood today, he has never really taken on a villainous role like this. But, as we've seen in the past (who here thought Heath was gonna suck balls when he was revealed as Joker?), Nolan has a way of bringing the best out of actors who seem out of place in certain roles.

And finally, who I put good money on being the next Batman villain...

Deadshot



Basic Generalization: Not only is he the (DC) world's greatest assassin, he has, in the past, tried to take over Batman's role in Gotham, and become the leader of the Gotham underground. A hired assassin who never misses, this amazing badass would be perfect in the Nolan-verse of Batman for his gritty attitude and the emotional struggle he deals with in wanting to die in a spectacular way.

Movie Clues: The ending shows us what's in store for the next movie: Batman will become the hunted, a villain in the eyes of the people of Gotham. Bringing in Deadshot as a hired assassin to take out Batman, hired by the city of Gotham, would make for an amazing cat-and-mouse game. Plus, Chris Nolan has said that the theme of the next Batman movie would revolve around the villain, much the same way TDK did. Deadshot has a death wish: he doesn't want to live anymore, but doesn't want to kill himself. He has an intense want to die. Batman, were he to face him in the next movie, would have to grapple with the fact that he is fighting a man who will stop at nothing to kill him, yet wants to die (presumably) at his hands, even though Batman has sworn never to kill. Thus, the theme of the next movie could revolve around morality, choosing life over death (for both men), and duty.

Played By:

That's right, Captain Malcolm Reynolds himself, Nathan Fillion. One of the biggest badasses to appear on the small and large screen, Fillion would be perfect behind the metal mask of Deadshot. If you don't believe me, go watch Serenity right now, come back, and tell me he isn't one kickass mothafucka.