Warner Bros Pictures has announced that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Catwoman 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.
Hathaway - who will co-present next month's Oscars - was on the list of actresses who tested for the role in recent weeks, along with Jessica Biel and Keira Knightley.
Says Christopher Nolan: "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."
Down the decades several stars have played the Catwoman role, most notably Julie Newmar in the 1960s' TV show, Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992's ‘Batman Returns’, while Halle Barry starred in 2004's ‘Catwoman’.
It was also announced that Tom Hardy - who recently starred in Nolan's ‘Inception’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio - will join Bale and Hathaway as Batman's nemesis, Bane. "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," said Nolan.
The Dark Knight Rises is set for release in July 2012, but before shooting begins later this year, Hathaway (28) is set to become yet another big name guest on smash TV show ‘Glee’.
‘Glee’ creator Ryan Murphy confirmed that ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ star has signed on to appear on the show as the lesbian aunt of Kurt, played by Golden Globe winner Chris Colfer.
"We just finalised a deal with Anne," said Murphy. "She wants to play the lesbian aunt of Chris Colfer. Because everyone needs a lesbian aunt."
by John Byrne in Hollywood
