娱乐英语新闻:"Dark Knight" sequel slated for summer of 2012

BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Warner Bros. has set July 20, 2012, as the release date for the third in the latest Batman series, according to media reports Tuesday.

"The Dark Knight" sequel, which is still untitled, is reportedly in the very early planning stages.

The director of the films, Chris Nolan, said that the film will provide closure to the trilogy. He didn't want to have just mindless explosions and he also didn't want to leave room open for expanding the story.

Actor Heath Ledger (front) stars as the Joker along with Christian Bale as Batman in the movie he Dark Knightin this undated publicity handout photo.

The script is currently being written by Nolan's brother, Jonathan Nolan. It is based upon an original story written by Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer. Goyer also co-wrote the two previous films.

Summer 2012 will be a carnival for superhero fans. Marvel's "The Avengers" is set to come out on May 4, "Battleship" sets sail on May 25, "Star Trek" sequel begins on June 29, and "Spider-Man" returns July 3.