AceShowbiz -

While many are still busy speculating on the return of Christopher Nolan to the sequel installment of "The Dark Knight" and on the possible villains, recent words from "Batman 3" suggested that the next Batman film may be heading into its pre-production in early 2009. According to Batman on Film, an inside source has mentioned that the filming is slated to begin in summer 2009 in Chicago.

Batman on Film further revealed the possible pre-production date, putting it in February 2009 slate. Quoting a behind the scenes source on the rumor, the fansite also wrote down the insider's revelation, "[What I'm hearing from crew members out of Chicago] is that 'BATMAN 3' goes into pre-production in February to shoot next summer."

Following the massive success of "Dark Knight" on collecting as much as $524.6 million nationwide and $984.6 million worldwide, buzzes around a new sequel have surfaced. "Batman 3" is said to be tentatively titled "The Caped Crusade" and it may see the baddies from The Riddler to Catwoman. Though actors like Johnny Depp, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Cher and Angelina Jolie have been linked to the villains part, none is really confirmed for the roles so far. In fact, director Christopher Nolan himself is yet to be signed for the follow-up movie.