(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Anne Hathaway admits that playing Catwoman is "unbelievably cool".

The 28-year-old actress is currently filming The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale. The movie is the third in director Christopher Nolan's Batman series and she relishes the opportunity to play the role.

"[T]he fact that I am Catwoman in Chris Nolan's Gotham to Christian Bale's Batman is unbelievably cool," Anne told Screenrush.

Portraying Catwoman is a far cry from her The Princess Diaries role as bubbly teenager Mia Thermopolis. Anne always secretly wanted to play the crime fighting femme fatale.

"It was funny for me because when I got my start, I kind of got my big break with The Princess Diaries and during the press rounds for that everyone asked me, Did you always want to be a princess growing up?'" she explained. "And the truth was, no I wanted to be Catwoman. And I think a lot of women feel that way. And the fact that I am actually her is such a dream come true. It's such a pinch me moment."

Although she does not disparage being a princess, Anne appreciates the fierceness of Catwoman's character. Her confidence and overall personality inspires Anne.

"I loved Catwoman's sense of humour. I love how sly she is. I love how she walks the fence and you don't know which side she's going to come down on," Anne said. "She's totally independent. Let's face it, she's badass."

The Dark Knight Rises is currently being filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (C) Cover Media