The Dark Knight Rises will be last Batman film for Christian Bale

The Dark Knight Rises Christian Bale Batman

Christian Bale has announced that The Dark Knight Rises will mark his last time in the cowl and cape... as far as he knows.

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

Director Christopher Nolan is currently prepping the comic book threequel, which is due to begin filming next year.

Dismissing any rumours or speculation of continuing the series, Bale said he wouldn't believe anything unless it comes from Nolan himself.

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

The actor, who is currently promoting new film The Fighter , for which he is already attracting Oscar buzz, also claimed to have very little info on the plot of TDKR .

He told MTV News;

'Chris will let me know what I need to know when I need to know it. I probably know a little bit more than some other people out there, but I think most people would be surprised at how little I do know.'

"It just hasn't been necessary yet. I know he'll give me plenty of time to prepare for whatever I need to, and I'll discover it.'

'He's a pretty damn good filmmaker. I trust that he's going to come up with something wonderful.'

The Fighter is out in UK cinemas February 4 2011.

The Dark Knight Rises is set for July 20 2012.