8. They Have A Leading Man Already in JGL
A lot of the problems that the less positive critics (including myself) pin-pointed with The Dark Knight Rises were glossed over thanks to some exceptional acting performances. Anne Hathaway may have walked away with most of the accolades for her performance as Selina Kyle, but it was Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance as John Blake who offered the best performance of the entire film. As Blake, he was measured, subtle and engaging, and crucially he was likable enough to carry the considerable responsibility of being the film's heart. Thanks to that inspired bit of casting, Warners have a ready-made front-man who could step into Christian Bale's shoes - someone who has already been given that opportunity, albeit briefly at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan wanted JGL to be his replacement for Bruce Wayne, even if he never intended to see the transfer of power through himself wholly, and it is a dynamic that would make for great viewing. The actor has come a long with since those early days of 3rd Rock From The Sun, and some astute role choices, from the excellent Brick through to Inception and now The Dark Knight Rises have seen him develop serious leading man credentials, while indie flicks like 500 Days of Summer and Hesher keep him in line with his less conventional spirit. He would bring something different to the franchise, and since John Blake was a far better character in Rises, thanks to a generous script and the lack of presence for Bruce Wayne and Batman, it wouldn't be a major stretch to see him as a leading man in this universe.