Christopher Nolan has cast Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle, better known to comic book nerds like me as Catwoman. And we're not talking that Halle Berry trashfest, either. Hathaway will play the feline felon in The Dark Knight Rises, slated for release on July 12, 2012.

Joining Hathaway and Christian Bale will be Inception star Tom Hardy who will play Bane, the drug-enhanced, muscle-bound supervillain who once broke Batman's back...suddenly I'm feeling all hot and bothered.

Anne has some big paws to fill, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer's spectacular portrayal in Tim Burton's Batman Returns. Then there's Julie Newmar thanks for everything! and the legendary Earrrrrrrrtha Kitt from the television series.

She comes as a surprise for the role and though not my first choice, I think she can pull it off. Plus it will be interesting to see her in a role that's so un-Hathaway-esque, much like 2008's Rachel Getting Married.

Now let's get down to the important shit who will be designing her catsuit? Off the top of my head I'd say Givenchy, Versace and, if they go the latex route, Sears.

Link Love: Deadline