Superman makes cameo appearance in The Dark Knight

SPOILER ALERT: Warner Bros. and DC may be laying the groundwork for Batman and Superman to meet on the big screen.

Dateline Hollywood has learned that Brandon Routh, who played the man of steel in "Superman Returns," has a cameo role in "The Dark Knight." Though the character, who is seen in the background for just a few seconds, isn't identified as Clark Kent, it could mean he's going to play a more prominent role in the recently announced sequel, "The Dark Knight Forever."

"At first when I asked if I could play a role in 'The Dark Knight,' Warner Bros told me 'No way. And how did you find our new phone number?'" Routh said in an exclusive interview. "But then my agents at Hollywood Extras Casting said I fit the description for a 'tall white male' they needed for a party that takes place in Bruce Wayne's penthouse.

"I'm really confident that all of the fans are going to notice that Clark Kent was a guest at Bruce Wayne's party and demand that Warner Bros. explain it by making Superman a prominent character in the sequel," he added. "And I'm really confident that when that happens, my landlord will get off my back and understand why I haven't been able to pay my rent the past few months.