The Dark Knight Rises: Christian Bale Says It's 'The End Of That Batman Era'

'The Dark Knight Rises' will be Christian Bale's last film as Batman and he says that it will be "the end of that Batman era".

The Oscar-winning actor has wrapped up the scenes for the new film, that is set for release next year, and he claims that he has hung up that iconic Batman cape forever.

Throughout Christopher Nola's 'Batman' trilogy, Bale has played the leading character while he's seen Katie Holmes and Maggie Gyllenhaal play Rachel Dawes and also lost Heath Ledger, who tragically died just a few months after playing the Joker in the last installment.

Talking about the third movie with The Phillipine Daily Enquirer, the 37-year-old said: "I wrapped a few days ago so that will be the last time I'm taking that [Batman mask] off."

He also added: "Everything's finished. It's me and [director Christopher Nolan] - that will be the end of that Batman era."

'The Dark Knight Rises' also stars Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, Tom Hardy as the villain Bane and regular Michael Caine, and will reach cinemas in July 2012.

Are you looking forward to the new movie?

Photos from the set of 'The Dark Knight Rises'