The Bat gets a Cat [The Dark Knight Rises]

The big news coming out of Hollywood today is the casting of Anne Hathaway in the next film of the Batman franchise. Warner Bros. announced today that Hathaway will appear as Selina Kyle (Catwoman’s alter ego).

Hathaway has been starring in films since her big break in 2001′s The Princess Diaries, where she appeared alongside Julie Andrews. Last year, she played The White Queen in Tim Burton’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Known for her “good girl” image, she kicked up some dust last year for nude scenes in the romantic comedy Love and Other Drugs.

While one might assume Hathaway will also be Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, no specific mention of that character was made. It’s possible that Selina Kyle is being introduced now so Catwoman can appear in a future film.

Here’s the press release from Warner Bros.:

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.

So, what do you think? Does Hathaway, who has made a career playing the good girl, have what it takes to be a villain?