Just last month we brought you the news that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Live with It, Looper) and Juno Temple (Killer Joe, The Three Musketeers) had been locked for roles in director Christopher Nolan‘s final trip to Gotham with The Dark Knight Rises.

Now, THR reports that Josh Pence (The Social Network, Battleship) will star as young Ra’s al Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises. Pence will portray the character originally played by Liam Neeson in Nolan’s first Bat-film, Batman Begins and his scenes will reportedly take place 30 years prior to the present story.

This casting news further fuels speculation that Marion Cotillard, who signed onto the cast back in February will play Talia Al Ghul.

Christopher Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Goyer will also produce the film with Charles Roven and Nolan’s longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas.

The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.