Warner Bros. have announced that Anne Hathaway will play Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises and that Tom Hardy's much-speculated role has finally been revealed as that of Bane. It's worth noting that the official press release purposefully announces 'Selina Kyle' and there's absolutely no mention of her costumed, jewel thief alter-ego, Catwoman. Then again, I think I remember the press releases of Aaron Eckhart's casting four years ago not mentioning Two Face either.... so nobody will be surprised if she goes purrrrrr in the third act. If you have been following the Batman 3 development closely you will know that Hathaway met with Nolan back in October and has stayed linked with the film, beating out the likes of Keira Knightley and Jessica Biel who screen tested for the role last week. Hathaway is ultra sexy, a physically stunning young beauty with a distinct Julia Roberts wide smile and a self confidence that some might say borders on arrogance (at least I thought her performance in Love & Other Drugs could be perceived as that). She's kind of fearless too - I loved her turn in Rachel Getting Married, and she can play unlikeable bitches very well and Kyle can certainly be that. Don't be fooled by her Devil Wears Prada wholesome 'girl next door' performances. There's more to her than that. This isn't another Katie Holmes situation... Having said that Hathaway, 28, wouldn't have been my first choice. I probably would have wanted someone older and closer to Christian Bale's 36 years of age. But I'm not against her and I dropped the ball last time I doubted Nolan for casting somebody from Brokeback Mountain and look how that turned out! Seriously though, Hathaway's fine and better than all the names we heard screen tested. Presumably, Hathaway's Kyle is the 'love interest' and the reported inclusion of Talia Al Ghul, is the new movie's villain? Moving onto Bane... After immense speculation and a flurry of fanboy suggestions that he could be anything from The Riddler, The Penguin, Dr. Hugo Strange to Max Cort! - it's finally been announced that Nolan has chosen Tom Hardy to play Bane, his muscle man villain in The Dark Knight Rises. And those thinking of Batman & Robin's Bane, well it ain't gonna be quite like that, I assure you. Nolan's will be gritter and more realistic. Hell, he's got the guy who played Bronson to play him!! In the comics, Bane can speak six languages, is of superior intelligence with a photographic memory and is something of a scientific genius. He's kind of like Batman but he is fueled by anger to do terrible deeds, to make others suffer the pain he feels. Nolan then has chosen a physically imposing villain, something the Nolan movies have never had. Here's somebody who is going to be able to go toe-to-toe with Batman and comic book fans will remember he famously defeated The Dark Knight putting him on the sidelines for months after breaking his back in the famous Knightfall story in the 90's. And one might probably be correct in thinking that the 1993 storyline Legacy will be brought up, where Ra's Al Ghul takes a shine to Bane as they attack Gotham City. Just swap Ra's for Talia and you're there. Christopher Nolan says;
"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... ...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."
The Dark Knight Rises begins filming in May for a July 2012 release. Exciting times! Discuss, Discuss, Discuss!!!