BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

We are already well into the summer of superhero films for 2011. Meanwhile, production of possibly the most anticipated release for 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises,” with actress Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, is moving along quite nicely.

Screenrant.com reports that Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have released the first official photo of Hathaway in costume as Catwoman. The official photo shows Hathaway riding the Batpod. Fans may speculate as to whether she stole it or was working next to Batman to fight villainy.

The Millburn, New Jersey raised Hathaway, 28, has put in extra preparation for her role. Monstersandcritics.com reports that Hathaway hired a personal trainer to get her in the best condition possible for the role.“ Anne is working out five days a week, and wants her body in tip-top condition. Secretly she hopes to upstage Halle Berry, and to be the sexiest Catwoman ever,” a source told Mail Online.

Hathaway told Total Film she was required to keep quiet about disclosing details of the movie. She said, “I signed a blood oath… Bloody thumbprint on the paper. I want to be the best actress I can be and that means taking the most challenging roles. That’s the plan and so far it’s led to some really exciting places.”

Hathaway did reveal one thing: “It’s going to be really good.”

According to yahoo.com, the first Catwoman, in the 1966 television version of Batman was Julie Newmar, and Eartha Kitt filled the role in Batman’s third season. Michelle Pfeiffer played Catwoman in the1992 film Batman Returns. Berry starred in the Catwoman movie in 2004, and her alter-ego was renamed Patience Phillips.

“The Dark Knight Rises” is scheduled for release on July 20, 2012. It also stars Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.