CNN is reporting on their wed site that Marion Cotillard is confirmed to be cast in the much anticipated Batman sequel and third installment of the Nolan Batman franchise “The Dark Knight Rises”. The story is notably absent of any mention or speculation as to whom Cotillard may be playing. So it is anybody’s guess. BUT – my guess, as well as others here at BSR is that she will play none other than Talia al Ghul.

Why you ask? Well – personally I think is just plain makes sense – but to further explain I will defer to my 26 year old self and a post I wrote on my Blog in the summer of 2008 when the nerd-sphere was running rampant with speculation of the (unfounded) merits of the Riddler being a villain in the then hopeful sequel. But If you don’t want to jump away or open a new tab, or see my true identity – I understand, and will just sum it up for you real simple like. 1) Think of what kind of character Cotillard played in Inception. 2) THEN remember that at the END of The Dark Knight that the whole world now think that Batman uses LETHAL FORCE. 3) Finally – recall that the very reason why Bruce did NOT become a member of the League of Shadows was that he WAS NOT willing to use lethal force. With these story elements in mind – it is not too far out to imagine that the League of Shadows might want Bruce still – especially if they think that he has come around to their way of thinking.

But enough of my gloating. What say you nerd brethren?!? Am I full of none sense? Being that Catwoman is already cast who is left that Cotillard could likely play? Comment! Discuss!

UPDATE: (1:30 pm, 2/16/2011)

Twitter is reporting that this is fake and we can’t find any more confirmations, but this is the update we found:

DailyBlam is confirming that not only is Cotillard playing Talia al Ghul but that Joseph Gordon-Levitt WILL be playing Roman Sionis a.k.a BLACK MASK!! I know how many of you out there were keeping your fingers crossed for Black Mask to be in this film – But many assumed if it were to be so then Tom Hardy would playing him. So What do you say about the casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt? Early rumors were for him to play Robin. So the turn around of him playing such a formidable villain is kind of surprising. Tell us here at BSR what you think!!

UPDATE: (1:30 pm MT, 02/16/011)

From DailyBlam:

Warner Bros confirms that this information did not originate from any representatives at the studio and is indeed just a fan-made rumor.