Warner Bros. just released an official press release regarding two new cast members of the upcoming 3rd Batman film. It is reported that Christopher Nolan had chosen Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) and Tom Hardy (Inception) to finally join the list of stars that will play new characters on The Dark Knight Rises. And guess who are they playing...

Anne is set to play one of Batman's sexiest arch enemy Selina Kyle aka Catwoman while Tom Hardy will bulk up to play the abominable Bane.

Official Press Release from Warner Bros.:

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 beginning July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

As much as everybody are so excited for Selina Kyle's appearance, it appears there are no mentions of "Catwoman" in the press release so there is a big possibility that Anne will just be Selina but not Catwoman. On the part of Tom as Bane, this is good development specially those who wants Tom Hardy back on the big screen after his performance in Inception. The only challenge here is how will Nolan translate the comic Bane to his version of Batman universe.


To those who don't know Bane, he has been one of Batman's most intelligent and physically powerful foes. Emphasize on Intelligent, that is why his portrayal on "Batman and Robin" movie is far different from the source material because he is portrayed as a dummy controlled by Poison Ivy. Considered as one of the most underrated character in Batman Mythos, most people (specially non comic readers) don't know that Bane almost killed Batman when he break his back in the "Knightfall" story arc. So if Nolan can pull this character in right strings (and I know he will), it would be a great film all together.

Let's just hope to hear more about the film in the coming months.