Joseph Gordon-Levitt thinks people will see Anne Hathaway in a ''different light'' after watching 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

The 31-year-old star - who plays police officer John Blake in Christopher Nolan's third and final Batman movie - believes fans will have a changed view on the brunette beauty after her ''bad ass'' performance as Catwoman.

Speaking at the European premiere of 'The Dark Knight Rises' at London's Leicester Square last night (18.07.12), he told BANG Showbiz: ''People will see Anne Hathaway in a different light after seeing this film. She's so strong and she is such a bad ass.

''It's such a great version of Catwoman because it's not just a sexy thing. We did a movie together years ago called 'Havoc' and we've stayed friends.''

Joseph admits it was ''really helpful'' that Christopher doesn't like to rely on a host of computer effects in his movies because it made the film ''very real''.

He added: ''In a lot of movies nowadays the magic actually happens in a computer but Christopher doesn't like that so much, he actually likes to keep things very real. I admire that because as an actor that really helps to get wrapped up in the situation. It just looks awesome in real life.

''I think what distinguishes Christopher Nolan and his movies from most other huge blockbuster action movies is that he truly respects his audience. He's not just pandering to what he thinks will make the most money but he makes movies he himself would enjoy and he's a genuine cinephile.''

The motion picture sees Batman (Christian Bale) return after an eight-year absence in a bid to protect Gotham City against terrorist leader Bane (Tom Hardy).

Other attendees from the film included Joseph's fellow cast members Christian and his wife Sandra 'Sibi' Blazic, Tom and his fiancee Charlotte Riley, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy and Morgan Freeman.

'The Dark Knight Rises' is released tomorrow (20.07.12).