Oh but it CAN Chris, oh but it WILL -- or SHOULD. More on that in a bit...
So my friends, will Nolan’s BATMAN 3 be the end of “Batman on film?”
I very much doubt it. In fact, I’m quite positive it isn’t.
Before all of y’all start freaking out (and many of you are -- I’ve read your emails) -- I think I know what Chris is saying here. It’s not the conclusion of Batman on film, it’s the conclusion of his Batman on film. And Nolan’s Batman on film (I think) is the young Batman -- a Batman in the early stages of his career.
When Nolan made BATMAN BEGINS, he was asked if the Joker card at the end of that film was meant as a setup for a sequel. Nolan’s responded by saying that he meant it to be a way to let the audience know that the story -- Batman’s story -- would continue.
When I heard him say that, it struck a strong chord with me as I felt that Chris was setting this great character up for an extended cinematic run. As someone who started a website dedicated to the lobbying for exactly THAT, I was hoping that my interpretation of his statements were not simply wishful thinking.
Back in June of 2008, I got to sit down with Chris for about a half hour and visit ("A CHAT WITH CHRIS NOLAN," June 30, 2008). I wanted him to expound upon this idea that “the story continues” -- especially after THE DARK KNIGHT.
I brought up the topic to him that Batman’s tale -- his mission -- was obviously an infinite one. “Even in your Batman universe,” I asked him, “I would venture to guess that the story -- that Batman himself is never-ending?”
“Yes,” he said to me, “absolutely.”
I believed him then and I believe him now -- even after reading that he now plans for BATMAN 3 to “finish the story.”
At some point down the line, another director and creative team will come on board the Batman film franchise and pick up where Nolan and co. left off -- figuratively speaking that is. This thing doesn’t have to be rebooted every time a director finishes his story, trilogy, or whatever. Thanks to Nolan, a foundation has been laid for a lengthy run of Batman adventures on film -- a strategy that I’ve long championed.
Just in case I’m wrong here -- and I don’t think that I am -- let me remind Mr. Nolan and Warner Bros. of the following…
Chris, if you’re going to be done with Gotham City after #3, I won’t begrudge you one bit my friend. Tell your story and by all means bring it to a conclusion. But remember, Batman belongs to the fans, so PLEASE leave it so that the story can continue at some point again on down the line.
Warner Bros., Batman is your “Bond,” don’t EVER forget that. The groundwork that Chris has provided doesn’t need to be repaired (AKA “reboot the franchise”) again if and when he completely walks away. He’s already fixed it! Just hire great filmmakers and let them do their thing, OK? Oh yeah, and don't EVER make a JUSTICE LEAGUE film!
With all that said…
I expect that the end of BATMAN 3 will give us all a satisfying conclusion to the story of the celluloid Batman’s early career. A career we all know is -- including the great Chris Nolan -- never-ending.
And if anyone ever needs to reminded of that, BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM will be here to remind them.
