The cast for “The Dark Knight Rises” continues to grow. Variety today confirmed that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is signed on for the superhero sequel, reuniting him with “Inception” director Christopher Nolan. Joining Gordon-Levitt in today’s announcements is Juno Temple, the indie star of “Kaboom” and the upcoming “Cracks,” who is said to be circling a role in the megablockbuster.
No word yet on who Gordon-Levitt may be playing. The thesp, who has lead roles in “Premium Rush” and “Looper” coming soon, has been linked to almost every hero and villain in the Batman universe thus far. Could he be a member of the League of Shadows from “Batman Begins,” who are said to resurface in this installment? Is he possibly the young Jean-Paul Valley, a character who assumed the mantle of Batman once the original Dark Knight was defeated by the steroid-fueled Bane (Tom Hardy)? Can we hope he plays Bat-Mite?
Temple, a relative unknown, is said to be playing a “street-smart Gotham girl.” While Bat-fans might be tempted to run to their collections or check Wikipedia, chances are the role is entirely an invention of Nolan and company, who haven’t shied away from playing fast and loose with the material. Her potential addition to the cast, and the announcement of Gordon-Levitt, certainly seems like the WB is (organically, we trust) adding some youth and sex-appeal to the latest Bat-installment. Update: Temple, as you’d imagine (what young star would say no?), is confirmed.