Just a few days ago we told you that in addition to shooting in Chicago, Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming entry in his Batman franchise, The Dark Knight Rises will begin principal photography in New Orleans in April of 2011. The only firm casting that we know of, outside of the returning cast is the addition of Tom Hardy (Inception), and we’re still not privy to which role he will be playing in the film.

Now, Deadline reports that Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Thor), Naomi Watts (Dream House), Rachel Weisz (The Whistleblower), Anne Hathaway (One Day), Keira Knightley (A Dangerous Method) and Blake Lively (Green Lantern) are vying for two completely different female lead roles in The Dark Knight Rises. One of the roles will be Bruce Wayne’s new love interest, and the other will be a villain.

There is also a rumor floating around that Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road) has been approached to portray Detective Sarah Essen, who will be the new love interest for Gary Oldman’s character, Jim Gordon. Vera Farmiga (Source Code) and Kacie Thomas (Bucksville) have reportedly already auditioned for the role of Julie Madison, who will be Bruce Wayne’s new love interest. If that rumor was true, based on Deadline’s current (and likely more reliable) report, I would assume those actresses may already be out of contention.

No offers have been made to any of the women as of yet, and Nolan is reportedly planning to meet with each of them at some point in the coming weeks.

The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.