"Inception" arrives in theaters today, providing moviegoers with yet another healthy dose of Christopher Nolan's crazy adventures in filmmaking. Of course, "Inception" isn't necessarily what comic book fans are most eager to see from Nolan's camp — those fans are more likely craving Nolan's return to Gotham City in the untitled "Batman 3" and his debut trip to Metropolis as a producer on "Superman."
But that doesn't mean we can't blend Nolan's "Inception" sensibilities with his comic book plans, folks. After all, "Inception" boasts a great deal of talented actors, including a handful who have already appeared in Nolan's "Batman" films such as Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine and Ken Watanabe. What's the harm in adding a few more?
After the jump, see the "Batman" and "Superman" characters we would task out to the "Inception" cast!
Leonardo DiCaprio
The "Inception" star is at his best when given dark and gritty material, like "The Departed" and "Shutter's Island." In other words, Leonardo DiCaprio would be more at home in Gotham City than Metropolis. I would cast him as Roman Sionis, the villain known as Black Mask, a longtime corporate rival of Bruce Wayne's who eventually pursues a dark life of crime. DiCaprio is excellent in heroic roles, but this is one bad guy he could really sink his teeth into.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Although "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" wasn't everyone's favorite movie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a highlight as Cobra Commander, relishing in the opportunity to ham it up and chew on scenery. I would love to see him bring that level of enthusiasm to the deadly assassin Deadshot in "Batman 3," albeit with a little less of a wink-wink nudge-nudge flair. Gordon-Levitt has a darkness to him and the right amount of swagger to bring Floyd Lawton to life.
Marion Cotillard
If "Batman 3" really is the end of Nolan's trilogy, it would make sense to come full circle by introducing Ra's Al Ghul's daughter Talia into the Gotham City mix. "Inception" leading lady Marion Cotillard would be perfect for the role, bestowing the role of Talia Al Ghul with an exotic and alluring quality while maintaining all of the acting prowess required of the potentially emotional role. Talia's backstory could easily be adjusted to accommodate Cotillard's French nationality, something that would be harder to pull off with a character like Catwoman.
Ellen Page
Moving onto the world of "Superman," there's no question that the Man of Steel is going to spend plenty of time in Metropolis — but how about a stint in Smallville as well? If time is spent on Clark Kent's early years, Ellen Page would work wonderfully as Lana Lang, Clark's childhood sweetheart. It wouldn't be a major role for the young actress, but a nice and important cameo to help propel The Man of Tomorrow towards a greater quest during the film.
Tom Hardy
On the rise thanks to roles in "Bronson," "Inception" and the upcoming "Mad Max," British actor Tom Hardy should be considered for Superman's next nemesis. He would make for an excellent Lex Luthor, but an even deadlier Brainiac. Hardy embodies a cool, calculating presence with ease, lending an unpredictably dangerous quality to one of Superman's most lethal foes.
Who would you like to see the "Inception" cast starring as in Nolan's "Batman" and "Superman" films? Sound off in the comments section and on Twitter!