After directing two successful instalments of the "Batman" series, Christopher Nolan has sparked rumours that he might not be involved in "Batman 3" due to the tragic death of Heath Ledger.
Sources claim that the accidental death of the Joker depicter in "The Dark Knight" is the issue that could hinder Nolan from returning for the next movie, reports aceshowbiz.com.
"The death of Heath Ledger in January of 2008 rocked Mr. Nolan hard...So hard that Chris was convinced that TDK ('The Dark Knight') was going to be it for him and Batman on film," said a source.
Speculation is also on as to who will play the villain in "Batman 3", with A-lister Johnny Depp being among those named.
If made, the third instalment in the franchise will not come out before 2013.