"The Dark Knight Rises" to be Set Eight Years after "The Dark Knight"

Seems that the self-imposed hiatus that Bruce Wayne decides on at the end of 'The Dark Knight' is gonna be a bit longer than everyone was thinking.

Reports are out now (coming from an Empire article) that 'The Dark Knight Rises' will start eight years after the events of 'The Dark Knight'.

This is an interesting choice by Christopher Nolan (the series' writer and director) as it will definitely factor into Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman.

This leap in age will also make Bane a bigger threat as he is now decidedly much stronger and more athletic than Batman.  Another factor of Bane's physical dominance is his fighting style.  The same Empire article reports that he will be fighting in a bare-bones and vicious style that will be far more practical than flamboyant.

In one of the several comic storylines, Bane is responsible for breaking Batman's back, causing him to retire from the more active side of crime fighting.  This is rumored to be a possible plot point in Nolan's film as it will perfectly cap the trilogy that he intended to make.  It is also important to note that this is most likely Nolan and Bale's last time with the characters.  Warner Bros. Pictures have also commented that while they have plans on continuing the Batman franchise, it will most likely take place in a different universe, thus leaving Nolan's trilogy untouched.  

When 'The Dark Knight Rises' releases on July 20, 2012 it will no doubt be one of the most anticipated and profitable releases of the summer.

(source)