January 28, 2012 17:46

Joseph Gordon-Levitt hints that 'The Dark Knight Rises' will explore Occupy Wall Street themes

Actor also hails Christopher Nolan's 'independent spirit'

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has hinted that The Dark Knight Rises will explore similar themes to the recent Occupy Wall Street movement.

The trailer for the concluding chapter in director Christopher Nolan's Batman saga details the disparity between Gotham's wealthiest and most vulnerable citizens, with Anne Hathaway's Catwoman character chiding Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne for thinking the city's rich inhabitants "could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us".

When asked if the film would share similar themes to the Occupy protests, Gordon-Levitt, who will play policeman John Blake, replied:

You saw it, man. The trailer isn't misleading and Nolan's not the type of guy to create a trailer that will sell you something other than what the movie is.

The actor also paid tribute to Nolan, who he previously worked with on 2010's Inception, telling the Sundancechannel that the filmmaker's independent background had helped him achieve success.

"Christopher Nolan got started with Memento and Following, and I would say that The Dark Knigh has that same independent spirit, and that's what people love about it," he said. "He's able to take that sensibility and care and love for his work, and do it on a really large scale."

Earlier this month, Nolan admitted that he felt under "immense pressure" when making The Dark Knight Rises. He also advised fans to watch The Dark Knight again before seeing the follow-up, particularly the ending where Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon concoct a cover-up, since this provides clues as to what will happen in the finale.

The Dark Knight Rises opens on 20 July 2012. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click to watch the trailer.