Director Christopher Nolan is casting The Dark Knight Rises, with six actresses currently up for two female leads, the Bruce Wayne love interest and an un-named villain, according to Deadline Hollywood.  Christian Bale will reprise his role as Batman, and Tom Hardy (Inception) will likely play a villain (also according to Deadline). 

The Dark Knight Rises will premiere July 20, 2012 (see “Batman 3 Title Revealed”).

The six actresses up for roles are:

Rachel Weisz


 

{IMAGE_2}Naomi Watts


 

{IMAGE_3}Blake Lively


 

{IMAGE_4}Natalie Portman


 

{IMAGE_5}Anne Hathaway


 

{IMAGE_6}Keira Knightley