This just in! Warner Bros. just announced Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in “The Dark Knight Rises” while Tom Hardy will portray ultra-villain Bane.
Other actresses who vied for the role were Keira Knightly, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman and Blake Lively. Although Nolan didn’t mention Talia Al Ghul in his official statement, it doesn’t mean she won’t be in the film. If Nolan and his brother Jonathan plan to stick with the comics, she has to be.
To those not familiar with Bane, in the comics, after determining Batman’s true identity, he fights the caped crusader in the Batcave and breaks the Dark Knight’s back. Now that would certainly be a memorable and moving ending to Nolan’s trilogy. Of course, the story doesn’t end there, but as to not spoil the upcoming film, I choose not to divulge any further.
Here is the full press release from Warner Bros.:
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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.
I have to admit I’m on the fence about this news. Tom Hardy, is a great choice for Bane. But I can’t say that I’m thrilled about Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle. Marion Cotillard was my favorite, but since she is expecting, she can’t play the part, obviously. Perhaps the role could have gone to a lesser-known actress, or even to someone a shade darker than crème. However, Heath Ledger surprised us all; perhaps Miss Hathaway can do the same.
“The Dark Knight Rises” starts production in April.
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Follow Sherice Antoinette on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ShericesPieces.
I must say that I’m surprised that it wasn’t Talia al Ghul but hey I’m not complaining. Bane was also a character that I didn’t expect. Since Nolan does his characters from the DC Universe as realistic as possible, having a character that uses venom that gives him abilities like super strength such as Bane, was something that I never thought Nolan would take on.
It’s going to be very interesting what Nolan will do with a character that gets powers or what I would call it “Cat-powers” and also a character that uses Venom as his power source..
I am completely on board with both choices.
Cool! I love the choices.
Terrible news!!!
Anne Hatthaway is not beautiful neither hot to play Catwoman and Tom Hardy will be ridiculous as Bane!
Bad news!
Its great the other day to finally get some casting news for batman. Was shocked bane was picked for hardy after all the rumors where pointing to hugo strange. Can’t wait to see what nolan does with bane. As for anne great actress choice. She is very good. I am sure she will make a fine selina/catwoman. Though I do wish she didn’t take batman so she could have been lois lane in superman reboot.
I love these choices! Love, love, love them! Anne is super beatiful and hot (when she wants to be). Beside, I remember a time when people were complaining about Michele Pheiffer at one time, and look at how that turned out! Anne will kick-butt! Cant wait!!