The Dark Knight Rises: Who will be the Next Batman Leading Lady?

Film Director and Screenwriter Christopher Nolan is searching for two female Hollywood actress who will be able to portray major roles in the third Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises.

According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel  as well as emerging stars Kate Mara and Charlotte Riley are scheduled to audition for the female roles at the Warner Bros. studio within the next two weeks.

Gemma Arterton who will be starring in the fantasy movie Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is also rumored interested in Batman role. Arterton was recently nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

Christopher Nolan needs to cast two female actress for the roles Thalia Al Ghul and Vicky Vale.

Thalia Al Ghul is the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul who is presumably out for revenge against the man responsible for the death of her father while Vicky Vale is a Gotham City reporter, Bruce Wayne’s love interest.

In the previous Batman movies Liam Neeson (Batman Begins) and Kim Basinger (Batman) portrayed Ra's al Ghul and Vicky Vale respectively.

There are also unconfirmed rumors that Eva Greene and Naomi Watts have been included in the casting for the Dark Knight Rises.

Christian Bale will reprise his character as Batman and the shooting for the film is expected to start in May in Los Angeles and England.

There are also reports that Nolan will be filming some parts of Dark Knight Rises either in Detroit or New York.

Again , there are speculations that Warner Bros. may opt to shoot in Detroit because of tax incentives from the state of Michigan.

Warner Bros. is expecting a July 2012 release date for The Dark Knight Rises.