There’s been a ton of media speculation regarding The Dark Knight Rises. Those involved with the film seem to have done everything they can to stir up the rumors of Batman’s demise.
Let me state my take on this very clearly.
Bruce Wayne will be alive at the end of the film.
Here’s why:
Merchandising! Merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made. Batman-the T-shirt, Batman-the Coloring Book, Batman-the Lunch box, Batman-the Breakfast Cereal, Batman-the Flame Thrower! And last but not least, Batman the doll… “SWEAR TO ME!”
Dark as this movie may be, kids want to see it, and parents want to take their kids to see it. The folks at Warner Brothers & DC Comics don’t want tales of childhood trama surrounding this movie.
May the schwartz be with you!
The Geek Whisperer 
hmm. is Batman: the Flamethrower a children’s toy?
Spaceballs! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjEdWTk1l9o
I’m in the opposite camp… I think Batman HAS to die. Nolan put his stamp on the franchise (and superhero movies in general) and what greater way to establish a legacy than to off the main character?
Also: http://youtu.be/gNIwlRClHsQ
I completely agree with you. I think Batman *should* die in this movie. However I don’t believe that it will happen.
Now… Prepare to fast-forward!
You can’t kill Batman…just like Doyle couldn’t kill Sherlock Holmes… http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/2012/07/09/lessons-from-sherlock-holmes-how-do-you-kill-your-hero/
Great article Mark.
Sadly DC Comics did kill Batman a few years ago. The story what pretty damn bad… And he got better.