If you thought Batman sounded a little gruff in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” film series, you're not alone. There's now an explanation for the muffled speech -- Batman is also the Cookie Monster.

sesamestreet.org, Warner Bros.

Is the Dark Knight really Cookie Monster?

In a viral video posted Aug. 21 on YouTube, a user has recreated a scene from the series where Batman meets with Commissioner Gordon on a secluded rooftop. They're supposedly discussing crime in Gotham City, but a sweeter, more crumbly topic naturally comes up.

“Cookies. Do you have cookies?”  the Dark Knight demands of Gordon, though the officer appears to have no interest in the subject and blathers onward about his cause.

“You really started something,” Gordon replies.

“Cookie, me Cookie Monster,” says Batman.

Gordon then begins a rant addressing concerns over the crime rate, escalation of terror, and appreciation for Batman’s presence in the city’s call-to-action. Yet, like most people with a raging appetite, the winged superhero has a one-track mind, and proceeds to demand his delicious treats.

“Cookie Monster still hungry,” Batman explains.

The conversation hits a standstill, and Batman decides to carry on his way. After the Commissioner offers a word of gratitude, Batman reiterates his "Sesame Street" ties, and takes a plunge into Gotham City, likely in search of confectionary goods.

Though it was the evil villain Bane who reaped most criticism for his muffled voice in the latest edition of the trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises,” Christian Bale’s growly diction has also been the subject of great debate as the film series played out.

At Chicago’s pop culture conference C2E2 in 2008, the topic was discussed at length by Kevin Conroy, voice of Batman in the 1990s Fox animation series, who flat-out dissed the star’s performance.

“Christian Bale is an excellent actor, he just got steered wrong,” Conroy commented. “Obviously someone should have stopped him and said, ‘You sound ridiculous.’”

Conroy’s remarks were met with applause, though as one reader later noted online, such character direction was inspired by the original comics.

“The growling voice is not an original idea: it is referenced in the comics,” Brad wrote on ScreenRant.com. “In “Knightfall”, Robin makes a reference to Batman’s “gravelly” voice while talking to Nightwing. Yes, the purpose is two-fold: cover his identity, and to be intimidating. I grew up watching Batman on television, and wondered why no one recognized the voice of well-known Bruce Wayne.”

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