‘Batman’ producer talks about next sequel

Fans waiting with bated breath for news of a “Dark Knight” sequel might want to hold onto their capes.

1. More Entertainment stories
   1. Will Smith shines in 'Men in Black III'
      

      REVIEW: If you're not a fan of Will Smith's smooth-talking Agent J in the "Men in Black" franchise, don't see the third mo...

   2. Can WWII film hidden by Army help veterans?
   3. Happy 35th anniversary, 'Star Wars'!
   4. Tim McGraw giving homes, hope to veterans
   5. Phillip Phillips has a double double name name

“(Director) Chris Nolan is the guy who’s had the vision of ‘The Dark Knight’ and this incarnation of Batman and we know that he’s thinking about (it) — if he can think all the way through what another one would be like,” “Dark Knight” producer Charles Roven told Access Hollywood at the junket for his latest film, “The International.” “We’ll know if he’s gotten to the end of that process when he tells us.”

Roven also produced the superhero film’s predecessor, “Batman Begins,” but while he said he wanted to make a better film with the sequel, he didn’t expect its record-breaking box office success — or its awards season muscle. “The Dark Knight” has earned eight Oscar nominations, although it was snubbed for best picture and best director.

“I’m just completely thrilled,” he said. “I hope Heath (Ledger) wins. I’m so pleased that the brilliant technicians — the people who work behind the camera — were nominated.”

Though Ledger has already posthumously won the SAG Award and the Golden Globe for his fearsome portrayal of the Joker, Roven said come Oscar night, anything could happen.

“I don’t think anything is a lock,” he said. “That’s the great thing about the Oscars. There’s just nothing about it that’s ever a lock.”

Though the future of the Batman franchise is up in the air for now, Roven said he’s eying a sequel to another of his box office hits, Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway’s “Get Smart.” He hopes to start work on a follow-up — with the two stars back in their roles as secret agents — in 2010.