(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Anne Hathaway has landed the role of Catwoman in the new Batman movie.
It has been confirmed the 28-year-old star will play Selina Kyle, whose alter-ego is the seductive Catwoman, in The Dark Knight Rises. A host of other actresses were believed to be interested in the femme fatale role, including Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, Blake Lively and Keira Knightley.
Director Christopher Nolan is looking forward to working with Anne and believes she is the perfect choice for the part.
"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," Christopher said in a press release.
Movie bosses are said to have been impressed by Annes versatility, and she has proved she has a flair for both drama and comedy having appeared in movies including Brokeback Mountain, The Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married and Love and Other Drugs.
It is not yet known if the role will see Anne playing a more villainous version of Catwoman or will focus on her love story with Batman.
"She definitely has the acting chops," a studio source told MTV. "She can 'go there' with this role. Obviously, Chris [Nolan] sees something in her that's fantastic that we haven't seen or have seen... plus Hathaway has longevity, a steady career arc and growth in appearing in big films."
It has also been revealed that British actor Tom Hardy will take on the role of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises.
Bane is an escaped prisoner who becomes abnormally strong after drug experiments are conducted on him. He is renowned for being the villain who breaks Batmans spinal cord.
Tom has gained a reputation for playing fearsome characters after appearing in Bronson, Rock N Rolla and Layer Cake.
I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batmans most formidable enemies, Christopher revealed.
The Dark Knight Rises is expected to be released in cinemas in 2012 and Christian Bale recently suggested it will be his last outing as the caped crusader. (C) Cover Media