So here’s some pretty huge news. The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan’s massively hyped 2012 installment in the Batman series (and, most likely, his and Christian Bale’s final one) has announced the (likely) villains. According to Warner Bros.’ official press release, the winners are…

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.

What do you guys make of this? Nolan’s definitely picked two characters that don’t exactly fit into his more realistic Batman universe. It’s also hard to see Hathaway as a comic villainess (if that’s the route they take with Selina Kyle), but we also all raised eyebrows when Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker. I hear that turned out okay.