Batman 3 rumour round-up

The first of what's sure to be a regularly and increasingly ridiculous Batman sequel rumour round-up. Are they true? (*shakes Official Batman Magic 8-Ball*) 'Gotham needs a hero with a face'. Hmm, thanks.

Batman rumours are the lifeblood of the internet, and though it's possible that the rumours I'm about to report on are 99% bullshit, it's fun to theorise about what Chris Nolan's third Batman movie will hold. So what is the likeliness that these rumours, reported by ComicBookMovies.com, are true?

1. The plot will be outlined in time for screenwriting to begin in February.
Likeliness of bullshit? Actually, this is pretty sound. It's been widely reported that David Goyer and Jonah Nolan have already begun writing the first draft of the follow-up to The Dark Knight, some sites even claiming the plot outline is finished.
2. The Riddler is the primary villain and he figures out Batman's identity.
Likeliness of bullshit? For some reason, everyone seems to be assuming that The Riddler is the next big villain for Batman to face. I don't get it. The Riddler-esque character of Mr. Reese (geddit?) figures out Batman's identity in The Dark Knight, so why bother running the exact same storyline again? I can't see this character working in Chris Nolan's universe unless he's radically altered, but who knows?
3. Arkham Asylum will figure prominently in the story.
Likeliness of bullshit? Yeah, I can believe this, though the Arkham Asylum we saw in Batman Begins wasn't exactly dark and broody like it is in the comics. But if The Joker is to make a re-appearance in some form, and I suspect he will, it'll be from behind Arkham's bars.
4. Several classic villains will cameo, including the Penguin and Mr. Freeze (though as Dr. Fries, not as the supervillain).
Likeliness of bullshit? Strong. Nolan has always said that story comes first and doesn't seem interested in shoe-horning in classic characters just for the sake of an easter egg or two. That said, Begins did have a (totally pointless) cameo for Victor Zsaz, though why on Earth he was played by that bloke from James I have no idea.
5. Barbara Gordon will have a featured role.
Likeliness of bullshit? Sure, why not? Go for your life, lady.
6. Commissioner Gordon will mention Metropolis and possibly Lex Luthor.
Likeliness of bullshit? Hrm. Something smells. The news that Chris Nolan is to mentor the new Superman movie might appear to support this rumour, but you don't have to look further than both Batman films to see that there's no way in Hell this is gonna happen. A fruity flying alien with super-powers just doesn't slot into Nolan's quasi-realistic take on Batman.
7. Dick Grayson may be in the movie (though probably not as Robin).
Likeliness of bullshit? Christian Bale: "If Robin crops up in one of the new Batman films, I'll be chaining myself up somewhere and refusing to go to work." I'd say we're pretty safe in assuming Dick Grayson will be banned from the set.
So there you have it, Bat-fans. So far all we know about Batman 3 is that it's definitely happening, and it'll probably be Chris Nolan's next film after Inception. Bale and the primary cast will return (except Heath Ledger, natch) and it'll probably be called 'Gotham City'.

I'll try and keep you up-to-date with all the rumours flying around, but frankly, the thought of more Barbara Gordon is almost too exciting!