The cat's whiskers: Anne Hathaway has landed the role of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises
Anne Hathaway is set to slip into a skin-tight suit to play Catwoman in the new Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Director Christopher Nolan has cast the actress as Selina Kyle, the feline superhero's alter-ego, in his third and final instalment of the franchise.
The 28-year-old is said to have won the role over Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts and Blake Lively.
The part has previously been played by Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992's Batman Returns and Halle Berry in 2004's Catwoman.
'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,' Nolan said in an official statement released by Warner Bros.
British actor Tom Hardy s set to play 'the man who broke the Bat', Bane, and Christian Bale will return in the lead role.
Hathaway, who most recently starred in Love And Other Drugs, is now one of the hottest names is Hollywood.
She is set to present the 83rd Academy Awards next month alongside 127 Hours star James Franco.
Dark Knight Rises is set for release on July 20, 2012.
Leading ladies: The role of Catwoman has previously been played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry
