If Christian Bale Ever Decides to Return, The Dark Knight Has Already Set up a 4th Movie According to This Theory

The 'Dark Knight Rises' was almost unrecognizable.

If Christian Bale Ever Decides to Return, The Dark Knight Has Already Set up a 4th Movie According to This Theory

SUMMARY

  • 'The Dark Knight Rises' was a perfect film for many, much like the rest of the 'Dark Knight Trilogy'.
  • What many might not know, however, is that the plot of the movie was supposed to be a lot different.
  • Barbara Gordon was supposed to be introduced in the movie, and Heath Ledger’s Joker was supposed to make a comeback.
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Christian Bale’s The Dark Knight trilogy is famously one of the best adaptations of the character to have ever graced a screen. Not only is the actor perfect in his role as the Batman, dedicating everything he had to the role, the supporting cast, action, and design are perfect. The cherry on top, however, is Christopher Nolan and his award-winning direction.

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Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises
Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises

Calling the three films perfect would be the best way to describe them. Considering just how well-thought out the films were, it is surprising to find out that the third film was going to have a completely different story. One that can be used for another film as it introduced one of the most important characters in The Batman’s story, as well as a beloved character from the comics.

The Dark Knight Rises would have brought back Heath Ledger’s Joker, who would have gone head-to-head against Barbara Gordon.

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Barbara Gordon and Christian Bale’s The Dark Knight Trilogy

It is quite a well-known fact that the third Batman film in Christian Bale’s saga would have featured Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl, or Oracle. Her addition would have been followed by Heath Ledger coming back as the Clown Prince of Gotham, stirring up the chaos he loves.

The Dark Knight and espcialy Chratian Bale has had a signifancrt contribution in one pf Billie's Eilish's life decison
Christian Bale in The Dark Knight

Batman would have to deal with the Joker’s antics, while teaching the daughter of James Gordon what it is to be a masked vigilante.

Unfortunately, soon after the release of The Dark Knight, Ledger passed away suddenly and these plans were forced out the window. The plot of the third film was changed and Bane’s addition was made. Interestingly enough, however, one Reddit user seems to have found an Easter egg in the second film which gives a glimpse of what could have been, as well as what could be.

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Barbara Gordon Has Already Made Her Debut

Even though the plot and story of the third Dark Knight film was completely changed, the past cannot be changed and what was teased in The Dark Knight, can no longer be erased. The user noticed an Easter egg in one of the very final scene of the movie, where Two-Face is holding the entire Gordon family hostage as James Gordon watches. These include Barbara Gordon, James’ wife, and their two children; a boy and a girl.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake and Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight Rises
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake and Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight Rises

While the boy’s face is seen quite a bit, the girl’s face is hidden throughout the sequence, as though she is yet to be cast in the role. It is safe to say that this was a subtle nod to their plans for the third film, that they were unable to see through.

Although both Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan have both been very vocal about not wanting to make another film in this franchise, if they ever change their mind, bringing Gordon into the mix, would be the perfect reintroduction.

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Written by Ananya Godboley

Articles Published: 1048

A poet and art enthusiast, Ananya Godboley is a striving academic who is pursuing a career in Criminal Psychology, currently doing an undergrad degree in Psychology. Passionate about History, Philosophy and Literature, she loves to learn about new and interesting subjects. A writer for FandomWire with over 1000 published articles, she adores all things superhero and Taylor Swift.