So Christopher Nolan dropped quite the bombshell this week. In a statement released by Warner Bros., the Dark Knight and Inception director finally revealed which two villains the caped crusader will be squaring off against in his third (and presumably final) Batman film. And guess what, nerds? It isn’t Hugo Strange or the Riddler! Nope, Anne Hathaway will be slinking into the form fitting black tights as Catwoman and Tom Hardy will take on the role of Bane: The character who in the comic books is best known for setting all of the inmates of Arkham Asylum free and eventually breaking Batman’s back (along with being a general pain in the butt).
Check out the official press release:
“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.”
Me? I think the choice of going with Bane is a pretty bold one. My theory is that they’re going to take some serious creative license with the guy and really mix it up. Just check out that quote where Nolan drops a clue about their “new interpretation” of him. I could easily see Bane coming into Gotham as a new “heroic” vigilante to hunt down the “villainous” Batman while also trying to assume his place in the process. Basically an incredibly violent version of Batman that has no problem killing criminals and probably whips the SHIT out of Bruce about halfway through.
Y’know, I honestly didn’t think it was possible to be more excited for this movie. But being a longtime stalk-*ahem* fan of Anne Hathaway, her landing the role is beyond perfect (no I’m not going to spell it the other way). And Hardy? Just check out his performance in Bronson and you’ll see how capable the guy is of creating a terrifying presence. That casting borders on genius. With this flick and Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot both hitting screens in the same year, I’m gonna have to start keeping an eye out for falling pianos.
