Anne Hathaway as Catwoman

Hathaway will sport the catsuit in Christopher Nolan's upcoming "The Dark Knight Rises." Based on the photo it will be a more utilitarian and less overtly sexual outfit than the one Michelle Pfeiffer wore so memorably in "Batman Returns."

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Instead of a feline inspired mask, Hathaway's Selina Kyle wears goggles.

Does the fact that she's straddling a Batpod in this promo shot mean she'll be more hero than villain in the hotly anticipated Batman sequel?

"The Dark Knight Rises" will reunite Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred and Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon. They'll be joined by Tom Hardy as the criminal mastermind Bane.

Though Hathaway hasn't revealed much about her role ("I signed a blood oath," she says), the actress is looking forward to portraying the iconic D.C. Comics character.

"I want to be the best actress I can be and that means working with the best people and taking the most challenging roles," Hathaway tells Total Film. "That's the plan and so far it's led to some really exciting places."

Catwoman was first played by actress Julie Newmar (now 77) in the 1966 Batman TV series; Eartha Kitt took over the role in the show's third season. The feline vixen was last played by Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992's Batman Returns. Halle Berry starred in the 2004 flop Catwoman, though the heroine's alter-ego was renamed Patience Phillips.

Arriving in theaters July 20, 2012, The Dark Knight Rises also features three new characters: John Blake played by Joseph Gordon Levitt, Miranda Tate (played by Marion Cotillard and Bane played by Tom Hardy.