Anne Hathaway Is Catwoman In ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, Tom Hardy Will Be Bane

Some major news coming out of the Batman front, so listen up. We earlier reported that the hunt was on for a female actress for ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and Anne Hathaway was among the candidates. Now it has been confirmed that she will be in the movie and what her character will be.

Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle, who’s alter ego is Catwoman, in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Frankly, I don’t really think Catwoman is a direction Nolan’s series of Batman films needs to be heading and I’m really cautious about this move. Above that, Anne Hathaway is a lazy choice for the role and I would’ve preferred a newcomer or someone who would re-invent the character like Heath Ledger did. Maybe I’m asking for too much.

Also, we now know what role Tom Hardy had been cast to play in the film – the villain called Bane. It’s a character that appeared in the comics in the 90′s and is famously known to have broken Batman’s back. Tom Hardy isn’t the first guy I think of when I think of Bane, but then so wasn’t Heath Ledger for Joker. This is a much more inspiring casting than the above, but it’s good to see the movie shaping up.

Read the official press release below.

BURBANK, CA, January 19, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”

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

“The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.