Nobody expected the newest Batman flick, the Dark Knight, to acquire the success it survived to garner.  The follow-up to Batman Begins has earned $525,833,000 as of Oct. 5, 2008, the quickest film in history to ever get through the $500,000,000 hurdle.

This success has guaranteed one matter: another follow-up.

Now, the website is abuzz with rumors about the third flick.  These gossips are, certainly, only that – gossips.  At this point, no one actually knows what the third film entails.  Although, considering the obtainable informations we can derive certain patterns that will lead us to devise learned speculations regarding the third film.

Number one, the title.  Batman Begins is a catchy label that immediately speaks of a reboot of the franchise originating from uninspiring accounts in the current imaginings of the lead as started by Tim Burton.  Gossips of the title of the number two film varied from the exciting – i.E. Batman Triumphant – to the common – i.E. Dark Moon Rising.

In the end, the studio went for the Dark Knight, a moniker given by the individuals of Gotham to their brooding defender in the leaves of the comics series.

And what title is in store for the third film?  It really depends on the direction that the third movie will undertake.  If the third film maintains the legend of the Dark Knight, then Batman Triumphant may be in the running for the title of the third film.  Although, the grapevine is buzzing with gossips about the third flick being an adaptation of Frank Miller’s masterpiece, the Dark Knight Returns, which is the narrative of a retired Batman coming back to his crime battling ways 40 years after he gave up his cape.  In which case, the Dark Knight Returns could be an appropriate title that demands no modifications.

Number two, the villains.  Who will be the main villain for the third film?  This would be easier to speculate.  Just two major antagonists from the Batman mythos remain, after Scarecrow has been killed, the Joker being captured, and Two Face having (seemingly) deceased.  Riddler or the Penguin, whichever or both.  Several internet sites have already stated that Johnny Depp has presented himself to portray the role of the Riddler.  Some websites have also stated that Philip Seymour Hoffman is seriously being contemplated to portray the Penguin.

Number three, will there be a Robin?  Though the general atmosphere of the reboot doesn’t seem to call for a Robin, a realistic take on a boy associate can not in any chance be ruled out.  If this is the route that will be taken, expect the Dick Grayson version – the first Robin – to be the one used in the film.