Oldman confirms 'Dark Knight' sequel

Gary Oldman has said that the follow-up to The Dark Knight should begin shooting next year.

The actor made the off-the-cuff remark during a press conference at last week's Comic-Con convention in San Diego.

Following a question by a fan, Oldman said: "I think the next Batman is next year. We start shooting next year. You didn't hear that from me."

Oldman played James Gordon in the Christopher Nolan-directed Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

It has been suggested that Nolan could return to helm the third movie in the series since its reboot, despite earlier reports to the contrary.

Michael Caine, who played butler Alfred Pennyworth in the films, had claimed that the next movie would not begin shooting for some time, while adding that its villain would be The Riddler.