The Evolving Legacy Of Catwoman: Ranking The Actresses Who Defined Selina Kyle And The Shocking Recasting News For 'The Batman Part II'

The iconic anti-heroine Catwoman, also known as Selina Kyle, holds a unique place in comic book history, embodying a blend of sophistication, moral ambiguity, and raw feline energy. As of December 2025, the character's legacy is in a state of rapid evolution, with the most recent portrayer, Zoë Kravitz, confirmed to be stepping away from the role in the next installment of Matt Reeves' Bat-Verse, while DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn simultaneously promises a fresh version of the character for the new DC Universe (DCU). This constant reinvention makes the role one of the most coveted—and controversial—in Hollywood, with a long line of accomplished actresses having donned the cowl and whip, each leaving an indelible mark on the Gotham City landscape.

The following list provides a deep dive into the extraordinary women who have brought the feline fatale to life, from the campy charm of the 1960s television series to the gritty realism of modern blockbusters, culminating in the most recent and relevant casting news that is currently dominating fan discussions and setting the stage for Catwoman's future on the big screen.

The Definitive Roster: Catwoman Actresses and Their Biographies

The role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman has been interpreted by eight different actresses in live-action film and television, each bringing a distinct flavor to the master thief. Below is a list of the most notable portrayals, complete with their key biographical details and most celebrated works outside of Gotham.

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• Zoë Kravitz (The Batman, 2022)
  • Full Name: Zoë Isabella Kravitz
  • Born: December 1, 1988 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Catwoman Project: The Batman (2022)
  • Notable Works: Big Little Lies (as Bonnie Carlson), High Fidelity (as Robyn Brooks), the Divergent film series (as Christina), and Mad Max: Fury Road (as Toast the Knowing).
• Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises, 2012)
  • Full Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
  • Born: November 12, 1982 (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Catwoman Project: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
  • Notable Works: Les Misérables (Academy Award winner for Fantine), The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Diaries, Ocean's 8, and Interstellar.
• Halle Berry (Catwoman, 2004)
  • Full Name: Halle Maria Berry
  • Born: August 14, 1966 (Cleveland, Ohio)
  • Catwoman Project: Catwoman (2004)
  • Notable Works: Monster's Ball (Academy Award winner for Best Actress), the X-Men film series (as Storm), Die Another Day (as Jinx Johnson), and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
• Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns, 1992)
  • Full Name: Michelle Marie Pfeiffer
  • Born: April 29, 1958 (Santa Ana, California)
  • Catwoman Project: Batman Returns (1992)
  • Notable Works: Scarface, Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Ant-Man and the Wasp (as Janet van Dyne), and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
• Eartha Kitt (Batman TV Series, Season 3, 1967)
  • Full Name: Eartha Mae Kitt (née Keith)
  • Born: January 17, 1927 (North, South Carolina) - Died: December 25, 2008
  • Catwoman Project: Batman TV Series (Season 3)
  • Notable Works: Hit song "Santa Baby," Broadway's New Faces of 1952, and voice work in The Emperor's New Groove (as Yzma).
• Julie Newmar (Batman TV Series, Seasons 1 & 2, 1966-1967)
  • Full Name: Julia Chalene Newmeyer
  • Born: August 16, 1933 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Catwoman Project: Batman TV Series (Seasons 1 & 2)
  • Notable Works: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, the stage production of The Marriage-Go-Round (Tony Award winner), and My Living Doll (as Rhoda the robot).

The Shocking Recasting: Why Zoë Kravitz is Out of The Batman Part II

The most significant and current news surrounding the Selina Kyle character is the confirmed report that Zoë Kravitz will not be reprising her critically acclaimed role in Matt Reeves' highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part II. This development, which became public knowledge in late 2024, has completely reshaped the narrative for the sequel and ignited a firestorm of casting speculation.

Kravitz’s portrayal of Catwoman in 2022’s The Batman was lauded for its grounded, gritty, and ambiguous take on the character, establishing a palpable chemistry with Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne. Her storyline concluded with Selina Kyle leaving Gotham City to forge her own path, a narrative choice that, in hindsight, laid the groundwork for her absence in the sequel. While the film’s narrative provides a convenient exit, the decision to introduce a new character or recast the role entirely for the sequel has been confirmed by sources close to the production.

The Latest Rumors: Who is Circling the Role for Matt Reeves' Sequel?

With the departure of Kravitz, the focus immediately shifted to who would fill the void in Gotham. The most persistent and widely reported rumor involves former MCU star Scarlett Johansson. Reports indicate that Johansson is in talks for a key, yet undisclosed, role in The Batman Part II.

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While some fan speculation immediately jumped to her replacing Kravitz as Selina Kyle, more nuanced reports suggest she might be playing a different character entirely, such as a new love interest for Bruce Wayne or even the character of Andrea Beaumont (The Phantasm). The prospect of a major star like Johansson joining the cast, especially as a new foil for Batman, has kept the sequel firmly in the headlines, emphasizing a creative decision to move beyond the established Selina Kyle relationship from the first film. Another strong rumor involving Vanessa Kirby (known for The Crown and Mission: Impossible) was recently addressed by the actress herself, who claimed to "not know anything about it," effectively cooling that particular speculation.

The Future of the Feline Fatale: James Gunn’s DCU Plans

Adding another layer of complexity—and excitement—to the Catwoman discussion is the confirmation from DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn that the character is a part of his plans for the new DC Universe (DCU). Gunn has specifically stated that Catwoman will appear in the upcoming DCU film The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce a new Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin.

This confirmation means that fans will soon have two distinct, separate live-action versions of Batman’s most famous love interest: the mysterious new character in Matt Reeves' "Elseworlds" Bat-Verse (The Batman Part II) and the official, canonical Selina Kyle in the DCU. This move is a clear strategy to diversify the character's on-screen presence and signals a major investment in her narrative importance across the entire DC cinematic landscape. The casting for the DCU's Catwoman is wide open, with fan-casts frequently mentioning names like Ana de Armas for the role, though no official talks or announcements have been made by Gunn or DC Studios.

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The Enduring Appeal of Selina Kyle

The enduring popularity of Catwoman lies in her complexity. She is not a straightforward villain but a morally ambiguous anti-heroine, a master thief who often operates with a personal code of justice. This dual nature allows each new actress—from the sultry, purring Eartha Kitt to the scarred, vengeful Michelle Pfeiffer and the street-smart, empathetic Zoë Kravitz—to reinterpret the character for a new generation. The constant stream of casting news and speculation, whether for the Reeves-verse or the DCU, only proves that the legacy of Selina Kyle is one of the most vital and continuously evolving in the superhero genre.

As the production dates for The Batman Part II and The Brave and the Bold draw closer, the world awaits the official announcement of the next actress to take on the whip and cowl, a monumental decision that will define the future of this legendary character for years to come.