Joseph Gordon-Levitt is ALBERTO FALCONE aka The Holiday Killer in "The Dark Knight Rises"

The buzz about what character will Joseph Gordon-Levitt play in "The Dark Knight Rises" hasn't stop yet. But earlier today, thanks to Jeff Sneider from Variety, it was reported that Levitt will play a potential villain named Alberto Falcone. Yes, Alberto Falcone is the son of Carmine Falcone, which was played by Tom Wilkinson in the previous "Batman Begins". Alberto Falcone appeared in Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Batman series "The Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory" as the main antagonist.

Geez, seems like Bruce Wayne has a lot of villains to handle this time. From Anne Hathaway's Catwoman, Tom Hardy's Bane, and then Levitt's Alberto Falcone. But from what I'm seeing, seems like Falcone will be the pivotal enemy in this movie, since he'll be likely 'inheriting' his father's involvement in "Batman Begins". Also, Falcone is a Mafia, so he totally has the access of the Gotham City (read: somewhat has 'authority'). It such a great idea that Christopher Nolan, the mighty director, has been wanting to keep Batman's villain as realistic as possible, thus his version of Batman is not your average superhero movie. What a genius.

Meanwhile, the involvement of Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard hasn't been confirmed until now. I'm still quite confused of what role she's going to play if she actually signs in, since I'm personally not into the Batman comics so I don't really acquaint the characters. The Juno Temple news isn't also confirmed yet, for she is merely 'eyed' -- not officially signed in. Speaking of Temple's character: "a street-smart girl in Gotham City", I'm still wondering why Nolan didn't ask Ellen Page to do this. I mean, "The Dark Knight Rises" seems to be an "Inception" reunion (sans Leonardo DiCaprio though), and imagining of what Temple's alleged character looks like, it reminds me of Ellen Page immediately. But since Temple isn't official yet, I think there's still a hope for Page to do this role. ;)

EDIT: Well, seems like this news is somehow, 'twisted'. A rep from Entertainment Weekly said that Levitt will NOT play Alberto Falcone afterall, and that we won't get any idea of what his role is until close to the film's release date. So, I think, before any official announcement of Levitt's role, let's consider all of these rumors as merely 'opinions' or 'hopes' from the Batman fans. Agree? ;-)

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Official: Joseph Gordon-Levitt joins "The Dark Knight Rises", Juno Temple is eyed for a supporting role

Even though we all know that he will actually join the cast of "The Dark Knight Rises", the official announcement is finally here! Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the Golden Globe-nominated actor for his work on "500 Days of Summer" and "Inception" star, has sealed the deal to play an unknown role in "The Dark Knight" sequel directed by Christopher Nolan. This will be a reunion after Levitt worked with Nolan in "Inception". About the role he's going to play, I gotta say that we all have no idea. There's a few speculations which fit Levitt's appearances though: Robin, the Batman's sidekick; The Riddler, yet another Batman famous enemy who's previously played by Jim Carrey in "Batman Forever"; or Deadshot, a member of League of Shadows. Unfortunately we just have to wait for the next announcement since Nolan will seem to keep the identity in secret for quite some time.

Another "The Dark Knight Rises" update is that the studio is currently negotiating with Juno Temple, whose claim to fame was in 2007 Oscar hit "Atonement" and the upcoming "The Three Musketeers", to play a street-smart girl in Gotham City. And just like Levitt's unidentified role, I don't have any idea of who that Gotham girl is. It is also unclear that the character is taken from the official DC Comics figures or Nolan will just make it new.

Now that Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, and Levitt are official to join, I just have to wait for another confirmation from Marion Cotillard who's also in talks to play in this movie. Believing Gary Oldman who said that this movie will be 'better' than "The Dark Knight", The Academy might want to save a nomination space for "The Dark Knight Rises" starts now.

"The Dark Knight Rises" comes to theatres on July 20, 2012.

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Gary Oldman said "The Dark Knight Rises" story is 'fantastic'

Living legend Gary Oldman who recently confirmed that he's returning to play Jim Gordon in "The Dark Knight Rises", spilled out a bit about the upcoming Batman installment. "I have not read the script. But I have talked to Christopher Nolan about the story. It's fantastic. You can't top The Dark Knight, and I think he may have," Oldman said.

Citing on the previous sequel "The Dark Knight" and Nolan's most recent work "Inception", which won four Oscars at this year's 83rd Annual Academy Awards (it was also the biggest winner tied with "The King's Speech"), I think "The Dark Knight Rises" will be phenomenal. Can you imagine a 'realistic' storyline like "The Dark Knight" combined with breath-taking special effects in "Inception"? Clearly I'm too excited for this!

Moreover, in addition to Oldman, numerous great actors will graze the screen of this movie. The Bruce Wayne/Batman himself, Christian Bale won an Oscar earlier this year for his work in "The Fighter". Morgan Freeman will return to play Lucius Fox, as well as Michael Caine to play Wayne's most loyal wing-man Alfred.

The list of these amazing actors increases as Warner Bros. has officially cast Golden Globe nominee Anne Hathaway to play Batman's infamous love interest/enemy Selina Kyle/Catwoman, and then this year's BAFTA Orange Rising Star winner Tom Hardy as another Batman enemy Bane. The latest casting calls finally went to Golden Globe nominee Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard, even though there's still no confirmation of what role they are going to play.

Generally it's like a mash-up of "The Dark Knight" and "Inception" stars, and I really hope it will be also a mix of the storyline. The rumor about League of Shadows (a group of Batman's arch-enemies) will be featured in this movie has been buzzing on the internet, and that Ra's Al Ghul daughter, Talia Al Ghul will also be featured. With Catwoman and Bane will officially be present at the movie, I don't think we will find an epic villain like Joker as portrayed by Heath Ledger, but I think Nolan will still make it thrilling.

Nolan made a big breakthrough inside comic book-to-movie adaptation world, by erasing the 'cheesy' stereotype of superhero movies. "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" weren't just action-packed flicks, they actually gave thrill and chill to the audience. Bottomline, "The Dark Knight Rises" will be the most awaited-yet-exciting superhero movie next year, I optimistically think it will beat out its contenders "The Avengers" and "The Amazing Spider-Man".

Catch "The Dark Knight Rises" on July 20, 2012. Stay tune on this blog for more updates of this production!

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"The Dark Knight Rises" Arkham Asylum image

Even though they haven't started filming yet, we now get the first glimpse of Arkham Asylum, the famous prison in Gotham City from the Batman universe (in the previous movies, all Batman's villains were captivated in this prison, including Joker and Mr. Freeze). This building is located on a set in Caddington, England.

Besides England, the filming locations also included Los Angeles, Bucharest, and Detroit. It is to be released in July 20, 2012 (just 17 days after "The Amazing Spider-Man"!), with Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cane, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the leading stars.

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Quick Fix: there's a chance for Robin, Lois Lane, and Cobie Smulders!

Today's quick fix is still related to the upcoming superhero movie projects! I think I've been a bit obsessed with it, but nothing more exciting than these news. So here we go!

Will "The Dark Knight Rises" bring on Robin?
As you have found out at the start of February, "Inception" star Joseph Gordon-Levitt is joining "The Dark Knight Rises" even though his role is still 'kept in secret'. People speculated that Joseph will play The Riddler (which previously was played by Jim Carrey), since they think a Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) and Bane (Tom Hardy) won't be 'enough' to fight the Batman. But then the fans started to gear up that Joseph might be portraying Batman's long time sidekick, Robin, even though they also argued that he's somehow too old to play this part. Afterall, Christian Bale himself has stated that if they included Robin in this movie then he'll likely 'walk away' from this project. This news hasn't been confirmed yet, but I think it's a really cool thing if Robin finally brought up. The last time we saw Robin in Batman movies was in "Batman & Robin", which was deemed as the 'worst' Batman movie ever, despite George Clooney playing the leading man.

Lois Lane will still be featured in "Man of Steel"
Superman's one true love Lois Lane will likely still be featured in the "Man of Steel" reboot, as news are gearing up that one of Superman's lady villain from the Krypton, Ursa, will make a come-back. So here's what fuzzing around these days: Diane Kruger, Alice Eve, and Rosamund Pike were the front-runners to play a leading female role in "Man of Steel", which is NOT Lois Lane. But I don't think they will star as Lana Lang either, because it just simply doesn't fit. So all Lois & Clark fans (including me) started to get disappointed, because our very own OTP won't be on the movie. Thankfully, there was a bit relief yesterday, that WB Pictures were actually casting those actresses to play Ursa. She is Zod's right-hand woman from both the original 1978 Superman and 1981's Superman II, which was played by British actress Sarah Douglas opposite Terence Stamp's General Zod. Another great news is that Lois Lane is definitely in the current draft of the script and will have a major part in this Zack Snyder-directed movie.

One step closer for Cobie Smulders to join "The Avengers"
My favorite cast from "How I Met Your Mother", Cobie Smulders, is reportedly this close to play Maria Hill, the ruthless interim executive director of SHIELD, who was not above blackmailing and bullying superheros to get her way. She was eventually supplanted in that top job by Tony Stark aka Iron Man. As with all Marvel movies, the deal comes with a pile of options for appearances in future superhero films. So it's pretty far from a speculation that she will play Jane van Dyke, but still, this character has a pretty big impact in "The Avengers" movie. The production will start filming in April, and the movie will be released in May 4, 2012 distributed by Disney.

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt to star in "The Dark Knight Rises"

Seems like the "500 Days of Summer" actor will 'work together' again with his "Inception" director Christopher Nolan. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is reportedly in talks to join the upcoming Batman sequel "The Dark Knight Rises", along with recurring cast Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and two new additional names Anne Hathaway (who will play Selina Kyle/ Catwoman) and Tom Hardy (Bane).

It hasn't been confirmed of what role Levitt is going to play, even though a lot of sources said that he'll likely to play The Riddler. He is currently filming action sci-fi "Looper" with Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt, and will start to film "The Dark Knight Rises" in spring as Nolan have scheduled. I really love JGL (yeah that's his nickname), he's a talented actor and he will surely bring a great persona in the Batman movie.

This year Levitt will appear as a leading actor in "Live With It", a drama comedy about 27 years-old man who's diagnosed with cancer and his struggle to beat the disease. It will be released September 23 in United States, also starring Anna Kendrick, Seth Rogen, and Bryce Dallas Howard.

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Anne Hathaway will star in "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Glee"!

Calling all Anne Hathaway fans to squee together with me! The Academy Award-nominated actress has officially joined the cast of "The Dark Knight Rises", as the legendary Batman's love interest/enemy Selina Kyle, the Catwoman! Reports said earlier that she was in fact included in the shortlist along with notably Jessica Biel, Keira Knightley, and Eva Green. And finally Anne nailed the role. Congratulations Anne, can't be more excited to watch "The Dark Knight Rises"!

Another news from this movie, the "Inception" star Tom Hardy will also join the cast, as another Batman enemy Bane (this character was previously featured in "Batman and Robin"—the most 'unfortunate' Batman installment despite George Clooney, Chris O'Donnel, Alicia Silverstone, and Uma Thurman were being cast). This will be the second time for Tom to work with Christopher Nolan after "Inception".

Can't get enough of Anne Hathaway? Here's another exciting news: Ryan Murphy, the creator of the Golden Globe and Emmy winning television series "Glee", has confirmed that Anne will be guest starring as Kurt Hummel's (as played by Chris Colfer) lesbian aunt in a future episode.

If you're wondering why am I so enthusiastic about this Anne news, is that I actually see her 'grow up' through her movies. Caught her for the first time in "The Princess Diaries" during my junior high school sophomore year, I was attracted to her immediately since she's so endearing! In 2005 she started to go out of her shell, by starring in an R-rated movie "Havoc" (a lot of nudity, she was labeled as 'Disney Princess gone wild' back then), and then the critically-acclaimed ones "Brokeback Mountain" and "Rachel Getting Married", in which she received her first Academy Award nomination.

But she never put aside her inevitable comedy persona, by starring in "Get Smart" with Steve Carrell and "Bride Wars" with Kate Hudson. Last year, she appeared alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Golden Globe nominee comedy "Love and Other Drugs", and was nominated as Best Actress as well. Knowing that she'll make her way in a bigger blockbuster as "The Dark Knight Rises", it is a prove that her career won't go away anytime soon!

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