"I've recieved even further confirmation on just who is being looked at to be the main villains in the next two films--we're talking about two specific, classic Batman characters. Seems that there could be some overlapping with these characters in the two sequels, but each will be the main baddie of separate films. It also seems now that their appearence will occur in a different order than what I was led to believe previously. One of these characters relationship with Bruce Wayne will be developed in the next film--much like it is in the comic books. Both of these potential Bat-villains were in the previous Burton/Schumacher films. Revenge is a strong theme, or so I've been told, in the next two movies.
As far as Chris Nolan, he's not signed to return--yet. Word has it that he's apprehensive about doing a sequel or two. No doubt WB wants him to return, have asked him to return, and will throw huge coin at him to return, but nothing is for sure. In that regard, I've heard that WB may have a contingency plan in place for director. Good move if this is indeed the case--be prepared."