It’s Official – Anne Hathaway Cast as Catwoman, Tom Hardy to Play Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

In a surprise announcement that took the internet by storm today, resulting in FIVE simultaneous related trending topics on Twitter, Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan have officially confirmed (via  press release) that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Tom Hardy will play Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. This ends over two long years of speculation of who the baddies will be in Nolan’s last Batman film. Just last week we posted a report claiming that Hathaway was battling for two lead roles in the film, the other being Talia al Ghul. While that report could still stand true (Talia’s inclusion), we now, FINALLY, have the word directly from Nolan’s mouth that Hathaway is his girl.

While I LOVE Anne Hathaway, my initial reaction to her playing Selina Kyle was kind of a shoulder shrug, as the character has been poorly written and portrayed in other film versions over the years; most notably by Halle Berry in the god-awful Catwoman back in ’04. But hey, this is Chris Nolan we’re talking about here. If there’ any filmmaker working today who has earned the unconditional loyalty and trust from movie fans, it’s him. I remember back in 2006 when Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker in The Dark Knight, and the internet was outraged. “What?!?! HEATH LEDGER!?!? What a terrible choice! Nolan has signed his professional death warrant!” was the common sentiment. Well, look how that one turned out. Hathaway is a beautiful and talented actress. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt, shall we?

As for Hardy playing Bane, I think it’s great. People are quick to dismiss Bane, who is a relatively new villain, first making an appearance in the comics in 1993. He was ridiculously portrayed in the abysmal Batman & Robin as a mindless brute, when in actuality, he’s near an intellectual equal to Batman; an aspect that Nolan will surely highlight in his interpretation of the character. In the comics, Bane is an escaped prisoner from Arkham Asylum who becomes abnormally strong after being pumped full of drugs, who then deciphers Batman’s true identity. He also famously broke Batman’s spinal cord, contributing to his retirement in one storyline. Will Tom Hardy break Christian Bale’s back? It remains to be seen. All I know is, Hardy is going to make one hell of a Bane, and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.

Nolan had a few nice words to say about his new cast members via the official WB press release below:

BURBANK, CA, January 19, 2011 – 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.

One thing that should be quickly mentioned; while the forums have been set ablaze by Catwoman being featured in TDKR, in the press release, they only mention Hathaway being cast as Selina Kyle, not Catwoman. So there is a possibility, however unlikely, that she’ll just be playing a conflicting love interest for Bats. In closing, no matter what your knee-jerk reaction is, wait for some pics and the trailer before making any true judgments. (laughing) I mean, it’s not like you’re NOT going to see The Dark Knight Rises in 2012.

In Nolan We Trust.

[via Deadline]

What Do You Think? Discuss.