Between the ambiguous (and somewhat-controversial) ending to "The Dark Knight Rises" and subsequent comments by co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, some fans have been holding onto hope that the actor might one day take up the cape and cowl. If a new report is to be believed, that day may arrive sooner rather than later.

According to HitFix, unnamed sources contend Gordon-Levitt will appear as the Caped Crusader in Warner Bros.' long-developing "Justice League" film, which is being targeted for 2015 release. The website reports that although the studio is a long way from beginning production on the ensemble film, it's already signing deals with Gordon-Levitt and, "potentially, at least one other actor" from the Christopher Nolan trilogy, leading to speculation that Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel" could include a surprise cameo in the tradition of the Marvel Studios movies.

HitFix imagines a post-credits scene in which Superman lands on a Gotham rooftop where Jim Gordon stands by the Bat-Signal awaiting the arrival of the Dark Knight. At this point, it's as likely a scenario as any.

Since news surfaced in June that Warner Bros. had quietly revived plans for the "Justice League" movie it abruptly shelved in 2008, rumors have swirled about what approach the studio might take to creating a "DC Cinematic Universe" in which all of its superhero movies are interconnected. Until recently, the prevailing belief had been "Justice League" would be used to introduce audiences to lesser-known characters like The Flash, Wonder Woman and Aquaman, who would then spin off into their own solo projects (essentially, the opposite of Marvel's approach). There was even the rumor that Warner Bros. would use "Justice League" to debut its new Batman before relaunching that franchise in a post-Nolan era.

But between this latest report and Snyder's suggestion that "Man of Steel" will have a link to "Justice League" -- that's a reversal of his statements from a year ago -- it appears Warner Bros. could be altering the approach somewhat.

Update (1:52 p.m. PT): EW.com reports a representative for Gordon-Levitt calls the rumor totally false.