The Nolanverse has ended. Despite rumors of Christian Bale's return in a World's Finest film, despite the rumors for a Nightwing or Catwoman film in the Nolanverse, it's over. As fans, we need to accept that Nolan's vision has reached its conclusion, and, regardless of whether you liked it or not, that chapter has ended. Rumor has it that Batman's future will involve him in a larger universe, a DC Cinematic Universe, along with Man of Steel and the inevitable Justice League film. The future Batman films will need to find a balance between the fantastic DC world and the more gritty, down-to-earth Batman universe. Whatever director comes Bats' way will need to pick and choose which elements of the Batman lore will work in their cinematic universe. They need to be distinct from Nolan's films, but not distinct just for the sake of being distinct. Nolan's time has come and gone. Who will stand in his place?
10. Neil Blomkamp
This one is a bit of an oddball choice. Personally, I feel Neil Blomkamp would be an amazing director for Wonder Woman or Green Lantern, but I am curious to see what he'd do for Batman. Right now, Blomkamp has only one major film to his name: District 9. This film is quite possibly one of the greatest films made in the last several years. It manages to perfectly integrate heavy political satire, crazy sci-fi, body horror, and a simple yet strong story in a way that's unique and visionary. Now, this begs the question: what can he bring to Batman? Blomkamp is skilled at integrating farfetched ideas and realism. Nolan's films all tried to be as realistic and plausible as possible, and in doing so kept out elements like the Joker's bleached face, Ra's al Ghul's immortality, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, etc. Blomkamp can make these elements feel realistic. He made you believe bug aliens were really in South Africa. He can make you feel that a guy walking around in a cold suit is not only plausible, but a frightening possibility.