Jessica Biel and Gemma Arterton Join 'The Dark Knight Rises' Shortlist

 Already having a bunch of names on his shortlist, Christopher Nolan is reportedly still looking at other actresses for major roles, a villain and a love interest, in "The Dark Knight Rises". Words on the street are, Jessica Biel, Gemma Arterton, Kate Mara and Charlotte Riley are now joining the contention.

The foursome is added to the list which previously mentioned Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman.

Portman has ruled out her possible involvement in the movie, while Weisz and Lively are not included in the latest shortlist unveiled by The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

Shortly before THR came out with their scoop, there were reports that Watts and Eva Green have been cast as Vicki Vale and Talia al Ghul respectively. The site debunks this story, saying that Watts cannot even do meetings as she is busy shooting tsunami disaster drama "The Impossible" in Thailand. They, however, confirm that Talia, a daughter of Ra's al Ghu as well as Batman's lover and antagonist, will appear in the third Batman film from Nolan.

While Biel, Arterton, Knightley, Hathaway and Watts are no strangers to movie lovers, Mara and Riley are relative newcomers. The former is a British actress who has done some TV works, while the latter lands roles in "127 Hours" and "Iron Man 2".

In related news, a source says the new Batmobile (aka The Tumbler) has a new sleeker design, but is still powerful and with all the gadgets. As for the Batcave, it will be the same cave like in "Batman Begins" with classic stuff like the circular bay for the Batmobile, but keeps the modern look. There reportedly will also be the Batcomputer and storage for the Batsuits.

Collider further reports "The Dark Knight Rises" will begin shooting on May 6 with post production scheduled to start on November 28. THR's sources additionally inform that the filming will take place in London and Los Angeles.

Christopher Nolan returns to the directing seat and Christian Bale will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Warner Bros. Pictures, meanwhile, has set the action superhero movie for July 20, 2012 U.S. release.

Posted in: