For some time we’ve been wondering about the villains and love interests for the Caped Crusader in the upcoming ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Now we have a clearer picture of what to expect from the final installment of Christopher Nolan‘s Batman with Warner Bros announcing the casting of two major roles.
Anne Hathaway will play Selina Kyle whose alter-ego is Catwoman though at this point the press release does not mention the inclusion of that character. Perhaps an inadvertent reference was given in ‘The Dark Knight’ when Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) says that Batman’s armor “Should do fine against cats.” Hathaway has been in contention for a role for some time, and this news means that characters likes Talia Al Gul were likely never part of the script.
It’s hard to picture Catwoman in the modern context without bringing back memories of Tim Burton’s movies or even Halle Berry’s mishap, for now we can only trust in Christopher Nolan’s vision. No-one could have foreseen how impressive Heath Ledger’s Joker would be after decades of campy portrayals left the character somewhat tarnished. Selina Kyle as a possible love interest to Bruce Wayne and as the villainous Catwoman could be just as memorable.
Word spread last year from a source reportedly close to the production that ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ would be basing some of it’s story elements on the ‘Prey’ comics and with Tom Hardy locked in, speculation swirled that he might play the villainous psychologist Dr. Hugo Strange. In December those rumors were debunked, claiming Hardy would not be the bad guy. It turns out they were halfway right, except it wouldn’t be that character.
The press release has confirmed that Hardy is set to play the muscle bound nemesis Bane. In the comics Bane gets injected with a chemical known as ‘Venom’ which brings about super muscle growth and he later severely injures Batman. His character also wears a wrestling mask though the press release states that the film will offer a new interpretation of the character:
BURBANK, CA, January 19, 2011 – 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.
As for other elements, reports indicate that we’ll see a sleeker version of the Batmobile (aka The Tumbler) which was destroyed in ‘The Dark Knight’. The Batcave will also make a return with Bruce and Alfred working on it’s rebuild since the end of Batman Begins. With a modern look, it will have the same circular bay for the Batmobile but more of the tech we saw in ‘The Dark Knight’ as well as storage for extra Batsuits and gadgets.
Principal photography is set to commence May 6th with post-production beginning November 28th. We’re looking forward to what will surely be another one of Christopher Nolan’s modern masterpieces.
via: Blastr
No comments yet.