Batman 3 With Christopher Nolan is Official

Red hot director and producer Christopher Nolan has confirmed his position as director of the upcoming third film in the new “Batman” franchise. Nolan returns for a third shot at the caped crusader after directing “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.”

Nolan has long been a certainty as a producer on the project but never gave a solid answer on his role as the director. He recently told MTV News however that if it wasn’t evident already, he’ll be in the director’s chair for the third film as well. Nolan is working with his brother Jonathan Nolan to develop the script for the film.

Production on the project, at least according to comments from Michael Caine (Alfred), is expected to begin next May with a release date tentatively set for July 20, 2012.