Batman 3, The Dark Knight Rises, steps into the light

After the Dark Knight had the most successful opening weekend in box office history, a sequel has only been a matter of time. Batman 3 has lurked in the shadows for two years now, revealing very little information about its whos, whats, and whys. Until today.

In an interview with director Christopher Nolan, the LA Times unveiled the name of his upcoming sequel: The Dark Knight Rises.

"As with 'Dark Knight,' the new film has a script written by Nolan and his brother, Jonah, and it’s based on a story by the director and David Goyer," reports the Times.

Even though the plot has been nailed down, Nolan hasn't mentioned whom Batman will be chasing this time around. It's not the Joker. Not Mr. Freeze. And Nolan told the Times it would not be the Riddler either.

Deadline reported this month that Inception costar Tom Hardy has accepted "a lead role" in the movie – presumably as a foil. On top of Hardy's role in Inception, Nolan's last film, the actor will headline the upcoming Mad Max reboot and has signed up for Tomas Alfredson's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and McG's romantic comedy This Means War.

Nolan also mentioned The Dark Knight Rises will not be filmed in 3D. He opted for IMAX instead.

Any guesses on what role Tom Hardy will play? There aren't many classic characters left. Dr. Hugo Strange? Clayface? Man-Bat?