You don't have to be a Nolanite to know that Christopher Nolan loves a shocking twist. After it was confirmed that Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cottilard had been cast, many wondered which characters they would portray.
The official announcement states that JGL will play Det. John Blake and Cotillard Miranda Tate. Most CBMers quickly figured out this ruse and it has becoming quite obvious that Cotillard is Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra's and Batman's former flame (at least in the comics). But what about JGL? Most people think Robin. I'm not so sure. After all, Christopher Nolan has stated in the past that Robin will not exist in the Nolan-verse. Here's my theory:
JGL or "John Blake" is a cop, one of Gordon's men. He's even been seen helping Batman in some leaked photos. Throughout the movie it seems like he's one of the good guys, only for him to turn at the end and reveal himself as... the Joker!
Think about it. Nolan stated that there were originally plans for Heath Ledger to star in TDKR. JGL is way too good of an actor to play some random cop (just saw 50/50 and wow, this guy can act!). This story would go something like this: Between TDK and TDKR, Joker escapes from Arkham (Not exactly shocking, right?) There is a small mention of the escape at the beginning of TDKR. He has surgery to change his face. He keeps Batman close, acting as his ally, all while continuing his master plan of taking over Gotham. In the shocking ending, JGL turns to Batman and starts talking like Heath, maybe even redoing the cuts around his mouth. It ends with Batman realizing that he will always be chasing the Joker.
Look at them side by side and you'll see quite a similarity in their faces, albeit JGL is a little skinnier. I really believe he can pull it off and make this the biggest, most unexpected twist of all and a great way for Nolan to leave off the franchise. Batman and Joker. The way it will always be.
What do you guys think? Plausible?