Possible Batman 3 plot details?!

Holy possible spoilers, Batman!

We've still got two and a half months to wait for The Dark Knight, but Warner Bros is already hammering out the plot details for the third installment in the revitalized Bat-franchise.

According to CinemaBlend's sources, WB has written the Joker out of the script for Bat 3 instead of casting someone else to step into Heath Ledger's clown shoes.  A nice gesture on their part, though if the Batchise continues after the third film, we'll likely see someone else in the role.

The villain focus will be primarily on Two-Face after we see his origin in The Dark Knight.  The script will take elements from the classic Jeph Loeb/Tim Sale Batman graphic novels, "The Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory"  The two series involve the evolution of Batman's enemies from criminals to his Rogue's Gallery of supervillains.  Depending on how closely Christopher Nolan chooses to adapt those series, we may also see the introduction of sidekick Robin to the cast.  Hmm… good luck, Nolan.

Speaking of, Christopher Nolan is expected back for Batman 3 but all indication are that the director will be leaving the franchise afterwards.  He'll be a tough act to follow.

The Dark Knight releases July 18, 2008.