Long rumored to play a part in Christopher Nolan's Batman sequel after his turn in the director's Inception last year, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is now reported by Deadline to be in talks for a role in The Dark Knight Rises.

Currently filming Rian Johnson's Looper, Gordon-Levitt has not officially been cast and, as of yet, there is no studio confirmation that he is even being sought to appear. That said, the actor has preemptively been the subject of much internet speculation regarding who he might play in the DC Universe and, as such, has certainly proven himself popular with Nolan fans.

The Dark Knight Rises is slated to feature the return of Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman, reprising their characters from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Newcomers confirmed to appear include Anne Hathaway in the part of Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy (who also appeared in Inception) in the role of Bane.

The film is planned for regular and IMAX release on July 20, 2012.