Jan 03, 2013 03:14 PM EST

Could Batman Turn Up in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy?

Ever since Christian Bale turned his back on Batman at the end of "The Dark Knight Rises", there has been a lot of speculation as to who would be playing the caped crusader in Warner's adaptation of DC's Justice League. The one name that was ahead of everyone else in the line has been Joseph Gordon-Levitt, mainly due to the way the third Christopher Nolan movie ended more than anything else.

Now, Joseph Gordon-Levitt name is being touted to take the lead role in the forthcoming Marvel superhero movie "Guardians of the Galaxy". So far, names that were thought to be high on director James Gunn's shortlist to play Peter Quill were Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy), Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty) and Jack Huston (Outlander). However, over the last day or so these have been eclipsed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

If true, it is likely we would only see him appearing in one franchise; and ultimately, if both roles were on the table the choice would be down to the actor himself.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" is about a team of superheroes guard the galaxy from danger is due to hit screens in the Summer 2014.

Countdown to the release of Guardians of the Galaxy, with the iPhone Movie Countdown Clock App.