Anne Hathaway Cast as Catwoman in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Tom Hardy Confirmed as Bane

Our first big casting announcement for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises has been revealed today! Anne Hathaway has officially been cast as Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, in the highly anticipated third Batman film. Hathaway is perfect casting for this role, and I can totally see her as Catwoman; she's got the look. 

It was also revealed that Tom Hardy will play Bane in the film, which is pretty freakin' awesome as well! Catwoman and Bane will make a couple of fun characters for Nolan to play with. I can't wait to see what he has planned for them!

What do you all think about Hathaway taking on the role of Catwoman?

Here's the full press release from Warner Bros:

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.