Anne Hathaway Cast as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises

Anne Hathaway will play the role of Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. -- PHOTO: AP

ANNE Hathaway will play Selina Kyle, otherwise known as Catwoman, in The Dark Knight Rises, reports said on Wednesday.

The award-winning actress, known for roles in The Princess Diaries, Rachel Getting Married and Alice In Wonderland, will take on the role once held by Michelle Pfeiffer in Tim Burton's Batman Returns.

In a press release from Warner Bros, director Christopher Nolan said he was 'thrilled to have the opportunity to work with' Hathaway.

English actor Tom Hardy, who starred as Eames in Nolan's Inception and was already announced as a cast member, will play the role of Batman's nemesis, Bane.

The Dark Knight Rises also sees Christian Bale reprising his role as Batman for the third time after Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.