Now, with the third, and reportedly last, installment in Nolan’s Batman films “The Dark Knight Rises” set to start shooting in a few months, fans are wondering when the revelation of Neeson’s return will be announced.

Well, brace yourselves — because the actor says it isn't going to happen.

Neeson spoke with Empire Magazine recently and in the current issue he says Ra’s isn’t set to rise from the grave.

“That rumour’s totally not true,” the actor said about his character's potential return. “In the comic books, Ra’s Al Ghul goes into a life bath of some sort and immerses himself to become immortal. So that’s probably where that comes from.”

As you probably already know, in the end of “Batman Begins,” Ra’s meets his “demise” on a Gotham train he himself had set to destroy the city. His plan backfired as Batman, along with Jim Gordon, made sure the train didn’t reach its intended stop.

So, is that it? Is that really the end of Ra’s al Ghul, the prime example of villainous comebacks? Maybe not.

“No-one’s approached me with an offer,” Neeson also told Empire. “I’d like to if it happens.”

Looks like that’s the best hope we’ve got right now.

If he’s asked to reprise the role, Neeson would join Christian Bale, once again playing Batman, Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle (and/or Catwoman as the case may be) and Tom Hardy as Bane. Although no official announcement has been made, it’s likely Gary Oldman will also return as Jim Gordon, Michael Cane as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

Nolan confirmed there’s another lead female role to be cast yet and rumors have circulated for a few weeks now that it could go to the director’s other “Inception” cast member, Marion Cotillard.

One female character is reportedly supposed to act as Bruce Wayne/Batman’s love interest, while the other is meant to be a villain. Selina Kyle could serve as either, which leaves the options pretty open for the second role. Fans have speculated it could be Ra’s al Ghuls daughter, Talia, who steps in — which, again, could be either love interest, villain or both depending on if she took over daddy’s place at the head of the League of Shadows.

We’ve still got plenty of time for an announcement though. “The Dark Knight Rises” is scheduled for theatrical release on July 20, 2012.

Should Ra’s return in “The Dark Knight Rises” or should his daughter Talia take over the family legacy? Let us know what you think in the comment section or on Twitter!