London, May 2 - A sequel to blockbuster hit 'The Dark Knight' will hit the screens in 2012.

Producers Warner Bros. has announced July 20, 2012, as the release date for the next instalment in the Batman film franchise, reports imdb.com.

The film is yet to have a title, cast, plot, director (though Christopher Nolan is widely assumed to be helming) or a format announcement (3D, IMAX or both).

Nolan brought Batman back to the silver screen in 2005 with Christain Bale-starrer 'Batman Begins' followed up by hugely successful 'The Dark Knight' in 2008.

The movie earned over $1 billion worldwide and fetched Australian actor Heath Ledger a posthumous Oscar for his role as iconic villain The Joker.

IANS