If you by recent statements from Christopher Nolan, Batman 3 is still very much in the early stages. Last we heard, the writing process has begun and they are shooting for a release date sometime within 2012. Considering the film will be a major production, this means that the film will need to start as early as possible, and now star Michael Caine has delivered a ballpark estimate.

Caine, who plays Alfred Pennyworth in the massively successful film franchise, is now saying that production of Nolan's third entry to the Batman line will begin in April 2011, according to Variety. Speaking at the London premiere of Inception, the actor was quoted saying,"I think they're going to do it in April, but that's about as much as I know." Warner Bros. has not officially green-lit the project, though there is a standing release date of July 20, 2012.

Caine, as great as he may be, has a slight tendency to shoot off at the mouth about the franchise, so take this news with a grain of salt. Some of you may remember back in 2008 when the venerable thespian claimed that both The Riddler and The Penguin are set for the third film, but there have been denials all over the place since then. If they are indeed shooting for the July 2012 release date, a start in April of next year sounds perfectly reasonable.