CHRISTIAN BALE - BALE DELAYS BATMAN DECISION

Brit hunk CHRISTIAN BALE has hinted he'll only sign up to play BATMAN again if his first venture as the caped crusader is a box office hit.

The Hollywood star has stepped into the role previously occupied by stars including MICHAEL KEATON, VAL KILMER and GEORGE CLOONEY in the latest installment BATMAN BEGINS.

But Bale will only decide on his future as Batman when the first film is released, because he's aware studio bosses won't ask him again if it flops.

He says, "We'll have to wait and see. I've never had a hit movie in my life, so who the hell knows if this is going to be one or not?

"And who the hell knows if I'll get asked back to do it again?"

However, Bale has assured fans he's happy with what he has brought to the legendary comic character.

He adds, "At least I've played it the way I've wished to."