I have to say, it wouldn't have been my first guess.  Then again, four years back who would have thought Heath Ledger could make a good Joker?  Personally I've always really enjoyed Anne Hathaway.  She is a very talented actress with a pretty broad range of work behind her.  Not only has she done dramatic and comedic roles,  but she's even dabbled into a little action with Get Smart.  That was enough to convince me that she could beat me silly.

As for Catwoman being in the next movie, I think its a good play.  Now that Bruce has lost his last real connection to the real world (Rachel), he will most likely pour all of himself into Batman.  Catwoman has always served as a great foil to this as she often strips Batman of his mental defenses, connecting to that human heart beneath his armored chest piece.  Whether Catwoman  is portrayed to be a theif or something else (like another vigilante)  remains to be seen, but I trust Nolan will make the most of the situation.

In regards to the other cast reveal, it has actually been known for some time that Tom Hardy (the British guy from Inception) was going to be in The Dark Knight Rises, but now we know who he is playing and that person is Bane.  I have to say, I didn't see this coming but I am pleasantly surprised.  Bane is a Batman villain that has unfortunately been turned into a one note thug in recent years.  This wasn't helped by the complete and utter defilement he suffered at the hands of the Batman and Robin film.  All should know that that creature in that movie was not Bane in any way, shape or form except for the fact that both are strong (though really, the movie Bane wasn't even that strong).

Originally, Bane was not only a physical powerhouse, but he had the brains to back it up.  In the Knightfall storyline (where Bane was introduced), Bane defeated Batman mentally and physically, wearing him down to the breaking point.  Then, when Batman was all but shattered, Bane battled him, lifted him into the air, and shattered Batman's spine over his knee.  From there a new Batman is temporarily reinstated and he and Bruce eventually do battle.  

I doubt all of that will happen in the movie (especially considering this will be the last film in Nolan's series) but I'm sure they will keep the aspect of Bane being a master criminal mind.  For those who doubt Hardy can pull off the physique that Bane is known for, simply look up some pictures from the movie Bronson, staring Tom Hardy.  

Speculation aside, I am very exciting for The Dark Knight Rises and have incredibly high hopes for it.  Maybe my hopes are too high, but if they are, that is not my problem.  Its Christopher Nolan's problem.  I'm sure it won't be long till we get some more casting news and maybe even a picture or two.  Please check back here for updates and commentary.  And as always, feel free to express your thoughts at the bottom.