Scarecrow, The Joker and now Bane.

These have been or will be the big screen enemies of superhero Batman in the popular Warner Bros. comic book based film franchise, the latter having been announced for the third and final installment. Christopher Nolan, who directed the first two films, which combined earned nearly $1.4 billion at the box office, will be at it again.

Since the 2008 release of The Dark Knight, the critically acclaimed second movie that nearly broke box office records, rumors have spread about who would be the villain in the third film, The Dark Knight Rises. While many thought it would be the Riddler, Nolan confirmed it would be Bane. Selina Kyle, also known in the DC Comics world as Catwoman, will also be featured prominently in the movie, Nolan and Warner Bros. said. She has also been both hero and villain in the Batman universe.

Rising actor Tom Hardy will reunite with Nolan to play Bane. Hardy was in Nolan's summer blockbuster film, Inception, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Playing the role of Kyle will be Anne Hathaway, known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and Brokeback Mountain. Christian Bale will return to play Batman.

I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman's most formidable enemies, Nolan said in a release.

Hardy will have big shoes to fill. The late Heath Ledger garnered critical acclaim and posthumously won an Oscar for his role as The Joker in the Dark Knight.