Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.”
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.
So Catwoman and Bane, huh? Could work.
Catwoman has appeared in the `60’s BATMAN television, show, spin-off movie, and BATMAN RETURNS, as well as cartoons. (A non-Selina Kyle heroic version was showcased in CATWOMAN.)
Bane appeared in a less- than -faithful fashion in the widely reviled BATMAN AND ROBIN, appearing as a scientifically-powered inarticulate brute.
Casting the British Tom Hardy as the character is somewhat unexpected. In the comics, Bane is supposed to be from a Caribbean prision, and speaks with a Hispanic accent, though he is surprisingly intelligent and literate for a long-term inmate. Using the addictive super-steriod Venom, he was transformed into a inhumanly strong killer.
He’s clever enough to keep the Batman on the run, by releasing crimminal lunatics from Arkham Asylum, while also deducing his secret identity, and eventually breaking the Dark Knight’s back in a fight. (Knightfall)
How this will play out in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is anybody’s guess.