Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman

The Oscar-nominated actress, who will co-host the Academy Awards next month, will take on the role previously played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry in the latest instalment of the Christopher Nolan-directed series.

(from left) Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry

She will star alongside Christian Bale, who will play the Caped Crusader, as well as Tom Hardy, who will play the villain Bane, in The Dark Knight Rises.

Hathaway, who was nominated for an Oscar for 2008's Rachel Getting Married, has also appeared in The Princess Diaries, Alice in Wonderland and Love and Other Drugs.

In a statement, director Nolan said Hathaway would be a "fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story."

Hardy, who also starred in the Nolan film Inception, would "bring to life our new interpretation as one of Batman's most formidable enemies."