Warner Bros. officially announces that Christian Bale (American Psycho & Reign of Fire) will be playing Bruce Wayne/Batman in the next film. Principal photography on the film is expected to begin in early 2004. The movie is written by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan, and will follow the early career of The Dark Knight.
Here is the official release:

BURBANK, CA, 11 September 2003 – Christian Bale has been cast in the starring role of Bruce Wayne in Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming Batman movie, to be directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Emma Thomas. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of production for Warner Bros. Pictures.