Christopher Nolan, the maker who helmed 2005’s film Batman Begins, is to direct the next film in the series – The Dark Knight.For the role of Batman, Christian Bale has been selected along with Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger playing The Joker.

Jeff Robinov, Warner Bros president of production, said in a press release: “Chris’s unique vision is what made Batman Begins such an outstanding film and we could not imagine anyone else at the helm of The Dark Knight. We also can’t wait to see two such formidable actors as Christian and Heath face off with each other as Batman and The Joker.”

Production is set to begin on The Dark Knight in early 2007.