“Batman 3” reserves a release date

We’re tipped to a story appearing on Box Office Mojo.

In one of the most anticipated announcements in recent memory, Warner Bros. officially set a date this morning for the follow-up to The Dark Knight. Tentatively known as Batman 3, the movie will debut July 20, 2012 in conventional and IMAX theaters, almost exactly four years after The Dark Knight opened to record-breaking numbers.

At this time, there are no details available regarding the plot or the cast, though it is assumed that Christian Bale at least will be reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Warner Bros. was also unable to confirm whether or not Batman Begins and Dark Knight writer-director Christopher Nolan would be taking on those responsibilities again for part three.

Mojo says several other movies have been penciled in for 2012 — The Avengers (May 4), Madagascar 3 (May 18), Battleship (May 25), Disney/Pixar’s Brave (June 15) and the Untitled Star Trek Sequel (June 29). But notes the Spider-Man reboot scheduled to open 4th of July weekend is the only other tentpole event daring to stake a claim the same month in the shadow of The Bat.