Anne Hathaway has been confirmed in the role of Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, in the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises in a press release from Warner Bros earlier today.

The film, the third to be directed by Christopher Nolan, will star Christian Bale as Batman (for the final time) and will also star Tom Hardy, (the new Mad Max and 'Eames' from Inception) as Bane.

Bane, for those of you who aren't Batman aficionados, is a character who was born and raised in a prison, who committed his first murder at the age of eight. Injected with the drug, 'Venom', his already muscular physique is made supernaturally strong. However, he must continue to take the drug every 12 hours for the rest of his life. His ambition in life, after leaving his prison of Pena Dura, is to destroy Batman. His motivation is simple - childhood nightmares of a demonic bat.

In the comics, Bane breaks down the wall of Arkham Asylum, unleashing several of Batman's super-villain enemies, including The Scarecrow (played by Cillian Murphy in the first two films) and The Joker (played by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight) .

However, the story of Bane continues in other comics, where new characters (including a new Batman) are introduced.

Which particular storyline, apart from Bane's origin, will make it into the third Nolan-helmed Batman film, remains to be seen. How Selina Kyle and Catwoman fit in is also something we'll just have to find out when the film is released. Originally a burglar who used a whip, Catwoman is one of Batman's earliest foes, being introduced in 1940.

In recent iterations, Selina Kyle was a prostitute who learns martial arts and leaves that life for a career in burglary, with a social conscience.

Anne Hathaway has stated that she will spend the next four months getting into character. We look on in fascination, and cross our fingers for July 20, 2012.



Mraowr!


The press release was filled with sincere, heartfelt statements from director Christopher Nolan.

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.