MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Pictures has cast Anne Hathway 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. In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane.

Stated the director, "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. I am also 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, who is producing the film with his longtime producing partner Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven, will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by him and David S. Goyer.

The Dark Knight Rises is slated to release in July, 2012.