The casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises has become official. The actual surprise? According to a statement from Warner Bros., they were not cast as Alberto Falcone and Talia al Ghul.

So just who are they cast as?

Gordon-Levitt will portray a Gotham cop named John Blake, who is assigned to special duty under Commissioner Gordon.

Blake sounds a lot like Harvey Bullock, the cop who works closely with Commissioner Gordon and has an uneasy respect for Batman. Including a Bullock-like character in the third film fits the tension between Batman and the cops. Blake can serve as Gordon’s most trusted cop who gradually respects Batman’s effort.

Cotillard will play Miranda Tate, a board member of Wayne Enterprises who pushes Bruce Wayne’s late-father’s philanthropy forward.

That doesn’t ring any bells for any comic book character. There’s a chance Cotillard will help bring the trilogy to a close, providing a legitimate way for Gotham’s improvement. Although, there’s speculation that Tate is a cover for Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul from Batman Begins.

“When you collaborate with people as talented as Marion and Joe, it comes as no surprise that you would want to repeat the experience. I immediately thought of them for the roles of Miranda and Blake, and I am looking forward to working with both of them again.”

— Christopher Nolan

The Dark Knight Rises releases July 20, 2012.

And yes, I still hope they change the title to Shadow of the Bat. What? It’s a better title and you know it.

(Deadline)