Vicki Vale? Catwoman? Talia al Ghul? What Female Leads Are Being Cast in The Dark Knight Rises?

Deadline has reported that Christopher Nolan is going to meet with six actresses for either a role as a villain or as a love interest for Batman (Christian Bale). The six actresses being considered for roles are: Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman, Naomi Watts, Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, and Keira Knightly. It is unknown which actress is being considered as either a villain or a love interest.

Here's what I think about these lovely ladies.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz has been rumored to be playing Catwoman before. I personally think she would be a great Selina Kyle/Catwoman.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman could possibly play Talia, but she's going to be in Thor next year. Nolan may not want to bring her into the DC Universe since she is going to be in the Marvel realm first. However, this wouln't be the first time an actor or actress has starred in both Marvel and DC comic movies.

Naomi Watts

I could see her as either Catwoman or Vicki Vale.

Blake Lively

Another possible Thalia, but starring in another Warner Bros/DC Comic Franchise...Green Lantern. Chances are Warner Brothers isn't going to let it happen.

Anne Hathway

I seem to keep steering towards Thalia as the villain, but I don't really see Anne Hathaway as Catwoman.

Keira Knightley

Since Natalie Portman is being considered for a possible villain role maybe she'll play Talia's decoy. Sort of like Ken Watanabe to Liam Nissan's Ra's al Ghul. Hell it worked on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

So, it's seems our theory Marion Cotillard of playing Catwoman is probably not going to happen. It will be interesting which direction Nolan will go with these roles. Since Rachel Weisz and Naomi Watts are about the same age, I think that Nolan is considering them for the same part. Likewise with the other four.

What do think? Think any of these ladies could handle The Dark Knight ?