When 'The Dark Knight Rises' came out -- even though the film left the door open for a spin-off or sequel  -- Christian Bale was consistent in saying that he would only come back if Christopher Nolan was at the helm. And though Warner Brothers is trying to get 'Justice League' going and would love to have him back, Bale has just said he will not be returning to play Batman.

Bale recently talked to Entertainment Weekly, where he said this about 'Justice League':

I have no information, no knowledge about anything. I’ve literally not had a conversation with a living soul. I understand that they may be making a Justice League movie, that’s it. It’s a torch that should be handed from one actor to another. So I enjoy looking forward to what somebody else will come up with.”

He also talked about how they were happy that the series ended up as a trilogy, but also they were happy that it ended. As Bale is a serious actor, he seems more likely to chase a role that would net him a second Oscar over a huge paycheck for something like 'Justice League' (perhaps a lesson learned after 'Terminator: Salvation').

Of course, 'The Dark Knight Rises' did leave room for a cast member to take over the mantle, though the 'Man of Steel' people have made it clear their world isn't the same as Nolan's. Regardless, it's best to consider Bale out of the running.

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