It seems impossible for writer/director Christopher Nolan not to make another Batman film.

“The Dark Knight,” closing in on $1 billion worldwide, was critically acclaimed and went crazy on all sorts of box-office records.

But Nolan said he’s not sure whether a third Batman film is in the cards. In a three-part interview with the Los Angeles Times last weekend, he said a third installment will depend on how good of a story he can come up with.

“Is there a story that’s going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one?” Nolan asked. “That’s the overriding question.”

I completely agree with Nolan that a third Batman should not be made unless a good story is there (I don’t think anyone wants to go back to the nipple-ridden Batsuits of the Joel Schumacher Crap-Fest Era).

But if there is anyone who can come up with a good story, it’s Nolan. He was involved in adapting the screenplay for “Batman Begins” and he developed the story and helped write the screenplay for “The Dark Knight.”

I don’t foresee Nolan having trouble coming up with a mind-boggling, intense story, as is evident from his previous major films, “Insomnia,” “Memento” and “The Prestige.” Nolan has a knack for adding a sense of mystery and suspense to all of his works.

The task of coming up with something good would only be made simpler if all the rumors about the Riddler being the next villain are true.

Not to say it would be easier to write, just that there would be more story possibilities if Nolan were to delve into the world of Mr. Edward Nigma. Seeing how Nolan already packs his films with twists and turns that put San Francisco’s Lombard Street to shame, the plethora of possibilities for the Riddler would be endless.

Warner Bros. Pictures, the company behind the rebooted Batman franchise, has also given Nolan all the time he has needed to decide the fate of the Caped Crusader. After finishing the publicity for the last film, Nolan took a much-deserved break and Warner Bros. respected his wishes and didn’t hassle him for a third Batman story.

To understand how the scenario could have played out, just look at Warner Bros.’s competitor. Marvel’s “Iron Man” only came out a month before “The Dark Knight,” but a sequel is not only already in the works, there is an official release date of May 7, 2010.

Director Jon Favreau voiced his dissatisfaction with having to immediately start on a sequel, sending the people in the nerdo-blogosphere through the roof.

Granted, a third Batman would not only have to get over the “third-movie slump (“Police Academy 3,” “Jaws 3-D”), but also over the sheer success and splendor of “The Dark Knight.”

The red phone is ringing, Nolan, and you’re the only one who can pick it up.