The franchise lives--according to numerous trade sources a sequel to the just released Batman Begins is all but a sure thing with Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman set to reprise their roles, though Katie Holmes will not return.  The key question still to be answered is the status of director Christopher Nolan, who was highly instrumental in making Batman Begins a critical smash.

Meanwhile Batman Begins was the key film in an eight-title package licensed by Warner Bros. to the FX cable network for $30 million.  FX will get Batman Begins in late 2007/early 2008 for multiple runs. Also included in the package is another DC comics-based title, Constantine, which FX should also get in late 2007.