[Shaun]

According to Deadline, the actor will be reunited with Inception director Christopher Nolan for the latest film about the caped crusader; however, it is not yet known what part he will be playing.

Insiders have suggested it could be a villain, as Christian Bale is expected to reprise his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Previously, rumours had suggested that the bad guy in the third instalment of Batman would be the Riddler, with (500) Days of Summer star Joseph Gordon Levitt being linked to the role.

It was also suggested that Fight Club actor Ed Norton might take on the part, however, he recently told fans not to believe everything they read.

It is expected that filming on Batman 3 will begin filming in May 2011.

Actor Michael Caine, who played Alfred the butler in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, recently told the Radio 1 Breakfast Show: 'There will be a new Batman. It will probably start in May next year. I assume I'm there, but in the movie business you never believe anything, you assume.'

He added that Nolan will keep the identity of the film's villain under wraps for as long as possible.

'No one will tell you. Chris is the most secretive man in the world.'