Cotillard and Levitt officially join "The Dark Knight Rises"

More and more casting calls are published by Warner Bros. for the most anticipating upcoming movie "The Dark Knight Rises". In the last two weeks Josh Pence was cast as young Ra's Al Guhl and also three new actors were revealed, who will star in TDKR alongside original cast of The Dark Knight and new actors and actresses, including Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy.

Now studio published press release, which confirms well-known rumors about Inception cast members Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who were considered to play in the third film of Batman franchise. It was't a surprise really as we all knew that Nolan wanted this duo for his next feature film. However the real surprise is the roles, which they will have to play. For a long time Marion was considered as Talia Al Guhl (daughter of Ra's Al Guhl). That version looked much real as we found out that Josh Pence will have flashback scenes as Ra's. But now we learned that Nolan choose his 'Inception' collaborate for the role of "Miranda Tate, a Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham." I'm certain Miranda Tate is new love interest of Bruce Wayne after Rachel's death. This casting announcement somehow denies any feelings between Batman and Catwoman. (?)

Could Miranda Tate be cover-up? Maybe. Before the premiere of The Dark Knight noone (outside Batcamp) knew that Henry Ducard was a cover-up for Laim Neeson to hide his real character - Ra's Al Ghul. It makes possible the version that his daughter, Talia may be covered by Miranda Tate.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's possible character was Alberto Falcone, son of Carmine Falcone, but then information was denied by Entertainment Weekly according to "a source close to the situation". Now we are told that Levitt will appear as "John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon".

Take a look on official word from Warner Bros. and learn about Chris Nolan's thoughts about this casting:

BURBANK, CA, April 19, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have joined the cast of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the epic conclusion to the Dark Knight legend.

Cotillard will appear as Miranda Tate, a Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham. Gordon-Levitt will play John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon. The film reunites the actors with Christopher Nolan, who recently directed them in the award-winning blockbuster “Inception.”

The director stated, “When you collaborate with people as talented as Marion and Joe, it comes as no surprise that you would want to repeat the experience. I immediately thought of them for the roles of Miranda and Blake, and I am looking forward to working with both of them again.”

Heading the cast of “The Dark Knight Rises,” Christian Bale stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman. The main cast also includes Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy as Bane. Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Christopher Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven.

“The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.