The Dark Knight Rises is Narrowing Down Cast Members

Christopher Nolan is set to meet with a short list of actresses which are in the running to star in “The Dark Knight Rises”, the upcoming third movie in the “Batman” franchise. Six actresses are being considered for the roles of the villain and Bruce Wayne’s love interest.

The actresses include Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman, Naomi Watts and Blake Lively.

Christian Bale will be making a return as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Michael Caine and Gary Oldman will also be back to reprise their roles.

Tom Hardy has also signed on for a role in the movie which is set to begin production soon for a release on July 20, 2012.