http://www.nbc4.tv/entertainment/195...102052003&ts=H

Actress Previously Played Different Role In 'Batman' Sequel

POSTED: 5:58 p.m. EST February 5, 2003

A former ally of Batman may soon play a noted adversary of the Caped Crusader.

According to the Hollywood Reporter online, Batman franchise owner Warner Bros. is pursuing Nicole Kidman to don the sleek suit of Catwoman.

Ashley Judd was previously attached to the project. But the role now belongs to Kidman if she wants it -- and she's waiting on the latest draft of the script to make a decision, said the Reporter.

Kidman played Dr. Chase Meridian opposite Val Kilmer's Caped Crusader in 1995's "Batman Forever." Michelle Pfeiffer played the role in the first "Batman" movie sequel, 1992's "Batman Returns."

As a solo act, Catwoman will be portrayed as a vulnerable, cat-loving gymnast who runs an animal grooming business -- but becomes super-confident and fights evil as Catwoman, according to the Reporter.

The news comes as Warner Bros. just sealed a deal with "Memento" director Christopher Nolan to direct the next installment of the studio's ailing "Batman" movie franchise.

Kidman, who was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar last year for "Moulin Rouge," is up for a Best Actress award from the Screen Actors Guild for her role as Virginia Woolf in "The Hours."

She's also considered a front-runner for an Oscar nomination for the role. Those nods will be announced Tuesday.


Chris

Pierce as Batman sounds cool, but what is up with those Superman actor possibilities, AssStain Kucher or Brendan Fraiser, come on, you want people to go see the movie Right?

Nolan to do Batman is excellent news! This will be an interesting spin from the past 2 Batman flicks. Burton's initial Batman movies still kick arse. Hope Nolan will do the same.

I think its far easier to find someone for Batman then it is Superman, thanks to the precedent rubber suit and cowl. Heck, i think even George Clooney would be fine if not for the terrible script. Superman on the other hand is far more difficult to cast, as Christopher Reeve set an amazing standard in the role. It's hard to imagine anyone in his place. What's even more strange is that if you picture anyone else wearing the same tights, they'd look downright strange.

I think Ray Liotta would make an interesting Batman. He may be getting to be a bit long in the tooth for such a role, though.

several sites just posted this from WB. Personally I think he could make a really good batman... he sure is dark enough.

Not just Bale as well, we have director Chris Nolan on board, and Blade Writer David Goyer.

Everything is in place, WB has its house in order finally, great news, I am celebrating Bales appointment as Batman brilliant.

http://www.cinecon.com/news.php?id=0309117

Official link to offical news.

I can vividly picutre Bale as Bruce Wayne, millionaire Playboy. Have difficulty seeing him in the batsuit though. This should be interesting. I haven't seen a Batman movie since the Tommy Lee Jones-Jim Carrey one. This one sounds like it should be a little more sophisticated.

screw all this..

the real reason to celebrate is the fact that this means WB will FINALLY release SEs of the first two Batman flicks..

Oh, and Nolan, Goyer & Bale sound good too..

Finally we will have a great Batman flick. I can't wait to see who they're going to get for the villain(supposedly Scarecrow). I really would have loved to have seen Guy Pearce, but Christian Bale is definitely a great choice. I'm just glad that WB didn't go with Joshua "Pacey" Jackson.

Holy Shit, Batman! This sounds like it might be a good flick! Bale is an excellent choice.

Bales not buff though. Could he pull off the suit? But i like bale and if he cant go with an unknown bales my choice. Maybe this means well have a batman musical.

Great choice. I don't do this much, but to the WB.

Not Buff? Bale has a better build then Keaton, Kilmer, or Clooney. Or West He's easily the most muscular and athletic Batman that we've seen yet (not counting the fan film where Batman looked like a big brute).

This is great news for Batman fans. Bale rocks

Not Buff enough?

Rent American Psycho.

Hell, just take a look at the international version of the DVD and you'll see what i'm talking about.

Could it be now that WB is finally going to stop mis-micromanaging their superhero franchises?!? We hope so.

I've been actively saying Bale should be Batman since the rumors of Ashton Kurshter. So proud.

Now, Batman franchise has got enough juice to challenge Marvels.
Nolan, Bale, and my fav Goyer=I'm there.

Great choice. Looking forward to this one.

Excellent News!

Not a bad choice, better than a lot of the other names.

Sounds good to me. Another plus, no Robin or Batgirl.

Let's hope for a great villain.

Honk!

This is probably the best casting choice of ALL the latter Batman movies -- even though Keaton turned out great, he sure wasn't an obvious choice, and both Kilmer and Clooney were pretty underwhelming. Bale is just a perfect idea, let's hope he lives up to the considerable baggage that comes with the bat-boots...

Bored people, do a search just to prove me right. I've been preaching Bale as Batman here going on 4 years in this forum, since I registered. I cannot explain how happy I am with this casting decision as well as Nolan & Goyer working on this movie. It is absolutely perfect. The guy can kick ass as good as anyone in movies, he is an extremely underrated actor with great range. And just rent Amercian Psycho to see the guy has that cocky, sohpsticated air about him. IMO along with Christopher Reever, & Patrick Stewart, this is one of the 3 greatest pieces of comic book movie casting ever.