The role of Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, is one of the most coveted and complex in the entire DC Comics universe, representing a perfect blend of anti-heroine, master thief, and Batman's most enduring romantic foil. As of December 14, 2025, the character continues to evolve, with Zoë Kravitz setting the standard for the latest live-action portrayal in The Batman, and a new generation of voice talent keeping the feline felon active in the animated world.
This article dives deep into the complete history of the Catwoman cast, exploring the unique takes of every major actress, from the classic 1960s television stars to the latest voice performers, providing a definitive profile of the women who brought the "feline fatale" to life.
Definitive Profile: The Big Three Modern Catwoman Actresses
The character of Catwoman has been defined by three major live-action film portrayals over the last three decades. Here is a brief biographical profile of the actresses who embodied Selina Kyle in the most memorable cinematic interpretations.
Zoë Kravitz (The Batman, 2022)
- Full Name: Zoë Isabella Kravitz
- Born: December 1, 1988, in Venice, California
- Parents: Musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet.
- Career Highlights: Known for her multifaceted roles in films like X-Men: First Class, Mad Max: Fury Road, and the HBO series Big Little Lies. She is also a singer and director.
- Catwoman Take: Her Selina Kyle in Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022) was a grounded, street-smart, and quietly powerful woman working as a waitress and forming a deep, complex bond with Robert Pattinson's Batman.
Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises, 2012)
- Full Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
- Born: November 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York
- Accolades: An Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
- Career Highlights: Broke out with The Princess Diaries, later starring in critically acclaimed films such as Les Misérables (winning an Oscar) and The Devil Wears Prada.
- Catwoman Take: Portrayed Selina Kyle as a cynical, morally ambiguous master thief and skilled combatant in Christopher Nolan's final installment of the trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns, 1992)
- Full Name: Michelle Pfeiffer
- Born: April 29, 1958, in Santa Ana, California
- Accolades: Nominated for three Academy Awards.
- Career Highlights: Major breakthrough role as Elvira Hancock in Scarface (1983). She earned an Oscar nomination for The Fabulous Baker Boys.
- Catwoman Take: Her iconic portrayal in Tim Burton's Batman Returns (1992) transformed Selina Kyle from a meek secretary into a vengeful, psychologically complex anti-heroine after a near-death experience, becoming the definitive version for many fans.
The Evolution of the Feline Fatale: From TV Icon to Modern Anti-Hero
The character of Catwoman, who first appeared in Batman #1 in 1940, has undergone a dramatic transformation, mirroring the changing views of female anti-heroes in popular culture. The actresses who took on the cowl each left an indelible mark, shaping the Selina Kyle we know today.
The Classic Era: Television and the First Film
The earliest, and arguably most influential, portrayals of Selina Kyle came from the 1960s Batman television series and its corresponding film. These actresses established the playful, flirtatious, and charismatic side of the character.
- Julie Newmar (Batman TV Series, Seasons 1 & 2): Newmar set the standard for the character's seductive charm and cat-like physicality. Her sleek, black costume and witty delivery defined the original live-action Catwoman for a generation.
- Lee Meriwether (Batman: The Movie, 1966): Meriwether stepped into the role for the full-length feature film, maintaining the character's sophisticated, criminal mastermind persona, often working alongside other villains like The Penguin and The Joker.
- Eartha Kitt (Batman TV Series, Season 3): Kitt brought a distinct, purring vocal delivery and a powerful presence to the role. She was a groundbreaking casting choice, introducing a new dimension to the character's allure and authority.
These early performances established the core duality of Catwoman: a criminal who is also an irresistible love interest for the Caped Crusader, a dynamic that continues to be central to her appeal.
The 2000s and Beyond: Controversy and the Voice of the Future
The 21st century brought both a highly controversial live-action film and a fresh wave of animated projects, proving that Selina Kyle's story continues to resonate across all media platforms.
Halle Berry and the Standalone Film
In 2004, the standalone film Catwoman introduced Halle Berry as Patience Phillips, a completely new character who gains feline powers. While the film was a critical and commercial failure, it represents an attempt to give the character her own cinematic universe, separate from the established Batman lore.
The Newest Voice: Elizabeth Gillies in Animated Catwoman: Hunted
For fans looking for the absolute latest, freshest take on the Catwoman cast, the answer lies in the animated world. Elizabeth Gillies, known for her roles in Victorious and Dynasty, voiced Selina Kyle in the 2022 anime-style feature film, Catwoman: Hunted.
This film is a significant entry because it features a highly stylized, anime-inspired design and pits Catwoman against a host of DC entities, including Batwoman (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) and Black Mask, focusing entirely on her exploits as a globe-trotting jewel thief. Gillies' performance as the witty, confident, and highly capable Selina Kyle showcased a modern interpretation of the character, reinforcing her status as a complex anti-heroine. The film’s focus on the criminal underworld, rather than just Gotham City, provided a unique backdrop for the character's topical authority.
Other Notable Catwoman Voice Actresses
The character's rich history extends far beyond live-action films. The voice actresses who have brought Selina Kyle to life in animated series and video games are essential to the Catwoman cast legacy:
- Adrienne Barbeau: The definitive voice for many, portraying Catwoman in the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series.
- Grey DeLisle: A prolific voice actress who has voiced Selina Kyle in numerous projects, including the Batman: Arkham City video game series.
- Zoë Kravitz: Interestingly, Kravitz first voiced the character in The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) before taking on the live-action role.
Why the Catwoman Cast is Always a Hot Topic
The continuous discussion and speculation around the Catwoman cast—including fan-casting rumors about actresses like Sydney Sweeney or Megan Fox—stem from the character's unique position in the DC canon. Selina Kyle is not just a villain; she is a mirror to Batman, challenging his rigid moral code and representing the chaotic, seductive side of Gotham City. Every new casting, whether live-action or voice, is a cultural moment because it re-interprets the core conflict between law and freedom, love and crime.
From the campy charm of Julie Newmar to the psychological depth of Michelle Pfeiffer, the grounded realism of Anne Hathaway, and the moody, contemporary take by Zoë Kravitz, each actress has added a new layer to the enigma of Selina Kyle. The character's evolution in film and television—from a 1960s TV foil to a modern, morally grey anti-heroine—ensures that the next Catwoman cast announcement will always be met with intense curiosity and debate.
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