The Hollywood trade paper Variety confirmed the initial rumors that Darren Aronofsky (Pi) will direct the fifth installment in the Batman movie franchise, Batman: Year One. Aronofsky will write and develop the screenplay with Frank Miller, author of the graphic novel of the same name. And it looks like Warner Brothers will be producing the movie.

Miller's comic series chronicles the evolution of Bruce Wayne into Batman, paralleled by the rise of police lieutenant James Gordon as he battles corruption in the Gotham City force.

The studio also hopes to resurrect the declining Batman movie series, whose last and crappiest installment ever, Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin, was widely panned. And for more flair, Warner is also developing a live-action movie based on The WB Kids Networks' animated series Batman Beyond with director Boaz Yakin and series creators Paul Dini and Alan Burnett. Cyberpunk novelist Neal Stephenson (Cryptonomicon), is also giving a helping hand.

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