Anne Hathaway up for Batman role

Anne Hathaway is being lined up against four other actresses for a part in new superhero film 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

The 'Love and Other Drugs' star will reportedly have to battle it out against the likes of Keira Knightley and Jessica Biel, as well as lesser-known 'Brokeback Mountain' star Kate Mara and Charlotte Riley - who appeared alongside Jessica in 2008's 'Easy Virtue' - to land a role in the upcoming 'Batman' movie.

According to the Heat Vision blog, the five actresses are all set to audition for director Christopher Nolan, with two main female parts up for grabs in the big-screen blockbuster.

The stars are believed to be battling it out for two roles, Talia Al Ghul - who was a lover to Bruce Wayne in the original comics - and Vicki Vale, the reporter played by Kim Basinger in 1989's 'Batman'.

Anne recently admitted she was in competition for a big role in the upcoming movie with a number of other actresses.

She said: "Of course, but that has always been the case. There is always competition. I don't know how to answer that question, it feels too revealing, somehow."

Sir Michael Caine and Christian Bale are also expected to reprise their roles as butler Alfred Pennyworth and capes crusader Bruce Wayne respective in 'The Dark Knight Rises' when it hits screens next year.