Catwoman and Bane Cast and Confirmed for The Dark Knight Rises

Ladies and gentlemen, your new Catwoman and Bane: Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy. No word yet on any other movie roles, but we know that Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman will all return to play Batman/Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, and Commissioner James Gordon once again for The Dark Knight Rises. Hathaway's casting was rumored some months ago and it's nice to finally get confirmation that it's real. For those who have only seen Hardy in Inception, you should be aware that this guy has incredible range and physical transformation ability akin to Gary Oldman.

I'm definitely excited to see Catwoman as the anti-hero she has become in the comics, maybe taking Batman's place in his absence? Hardy being cast as Bane is definitely a statement that Nolan's version of Bane will be as similar to the comic's version as possible; a methodical, calculating man who just happens to be incredibly powerful even without his venom.

Some people have questioned casting Hathaway as Catwoman, stating that she doesn't seem to have an agile frame one is used to picturing Catwoman having, but those same detractors have noted that many doubted Heath Ledger's ability to portray the Joker. Basically, the popular opinion is that there probably could have been a better choice for Catwoman by the fans, but Nolan knows exactly what he's doing.

The Dark Knight Rises begins filming this summer.