THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Casts Catwoman and…Bane!?

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES has been watched with much intent as casting rumors galore came about, but today Warner Bros. kind of surprised everyone with a press release announcing new cast additions.

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.

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Anne Hathaway is an interesting choice, but not too far off I suppose; should be interesting to see how she pulls off the costume.  But Tom Hardy blows my mind.  We’ve been seeing rumors for months now as to who Hardy would play, with all signs pointing towards Hugo Strange, but now Hardy (famously from INCEPTION and notoriously as the Picard clone in STAR TREK: NEMESIS) is playing a character who is reduced to a one-note joke and/or generic thug in most incarnations.  Hopefully, TDKR will stick to the original Bane characterization of a master strageist.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is due out next year; we’ll post more information as it comes.