'The Dark Knight Rises' first official movie poster released, shows dark, crumbling Gotham City

the dark knight

"The Dark Knight Rises" doesn't swoop into theaters until next summer, but the first official poster for the highly anticipated flick hit the Internet on Tuesday.


Although the image is simple: amongst an aerial shot of dark and crumbling Gotham City buildings is the white outline of a bat.


Batman fans have been debating what exactly the picture means. Some think it represents "the hole" left by the masked crusader.









Christian Bale reprises the role of Batman for the third time. Also starring in the Christopher Nolan-directed "The Dark Knight Rises" are Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy, who play villains Catwoman and Bane respectively.


It began filming in May in India and is expected to wrap up in November in Pittsburgh. The release date is July 20, 2012.

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