Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman

American actress Anne Hathaway is poised to join British actor Christian Bale in the next instalment of the Batman series after landing the role of Catwoman, it has been revealed.

The Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada star will play Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, which is scheduled for release in 2012 and is intended to complete the trilogy.

According to Deadline Hollywood, Hathaway, who is a multiple award winning actress, beat off competition from Keira Knightley, Rachel Weisz, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman to secure the part.

Nolan is quoted by the website as saying: "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."

Fans of the star are set to see her in a different role when she joins James Franco to co-host the Academy Awards this year.