‘Dark Knight Rises’ teaser trailer reveals Bane

Bane in 'The Dark Knight Rises' teaser trailer
Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ teaser trailer

The Dark Knight Rises!

Warner Bros. has offered up a sneak peek at the next Batman film (officially this time), and while there’s very little new footage in this teaser (a bootleg version leaked online last week), there’s undoubtedly enough to get fans excited for the next outing.

The one-minute, thirty-five second trailer mostly contains clips from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, but at its center is a new sequence with Comissioner Gordon, as well as a quick look at Bane himself and a glimpse at Batman.

Commissioner Gordon in 'The Dark Knight Rises' trailer
Commissioner Gordon in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ trailer

Along with the footage there’s the ominous text:

EVERY HERO HAS A JOURNEY

EVERY JOURNEY HAS AN END

This has all sorts of connotations. We know that this will be director Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film (as helmsman, anyway). It’s been long discussed that he was working towards a trilogy, and that this film would be the last not only for him, but likely Christian Bale.

At the same time, this film will likely mark the end of Bruce Wayne’s journey to becoming the Batman. Not just being the crime fighting super hero, but the legendary vigilante that protects the city from evil villains everywhere.

Batman in 'The Dark Knight Rises' teaser trailer
Batman in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ teaser trailer

But… could they go further? Could they go so far as to make Batman into a martyr?

It’s not far fetched. Batman’s first encounter with Bane in the comic books was a massive defeat for him. Bane broke his back in the infamous Knightfall series. It would be daring, I think, if they killed off Batman at the end of Dark Knight Rises. It would conclude that story, and set up Batman as a legend who dared defend the city against the forces of evil. Perhaps through his death he inspires others to take up the fight, thus changing Gotham City forever.

Or not.

As unlikely as this scenario is (and yes, I know it’s not gonna happen), I’d applaud DC and Nolan for taking such a risk. Besides, you know Batman will be rebooted anyway, so why not let this trilogy be unique and yes, a little bit out there with its main character.

It could be that Batman/Bruce Wayne getting his back broken will be explored in this film. Rumors have suggested the daughter of Ra’s Al Gul (Liam Neeson inBatman Begins) figures into this film, and that comic book storyline could include super healing and immortality, allowing for a quick fix for Wayne that would give him a chance to fight Bane again at the end.

I’m just spit-ballin’ here, though. The movie, also set to feature Catwoman, may not get quite that elaborate.

Below are some screengrabs of the new footage seen in The Dark Knight Risesteaser trailer. Below them you can watch the trailer. The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters July 20, 2012.