E! Online recently sat down with The Dark Knight Rises star Christian Bale, who said the sequel will likely be his last appearance as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Here's what he told the site:

"The thing is that this will be, I believe, unless Chris (Nolan) says different, this will be the last time I'm playing Batman."

The actor also revealed that he doesn't believe any of the rumors or speculation about casting when it comes to The Dark Knight Rises, unless his director tells him personally:

"Until Chris (Nolan) tells me, I don't believe it. It's gotta be from his mouth, or else I don't really know."

The Dark Knight Rises will start shooting in April 2011 and we'll be sure to keep you posted with any further details on this highly-anticipated sequel as soon as we have more information.