The Purr-fect Lineup: 7 Catwoman Actresses And Their Shocking New Updates

The iconic role of Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, has captivated audiences for over 80 years, evolving from a simple comic book burglar to a complex, morally ambiguous anti-heroine. As of today, December 10, 2025, the conversation remains vibrant, driven by the recent success of *The Batman* and the enduring legacies of the actresses who have donned the iconic catsuit. This deep dive unearths the complete history of the live-action Catwoman actresses and provides the freshest, most current updates on their careers and their thoughts on the legendary role. The character is a symbol of feminine power, independence, and a thrilling counterpoint to the rigid morality of Batman, which is why every new casting announcement sparks intense global debate. From the slinky charm of the 1960s television series to the gritty realism of the modern film adaptations, the woman behind the mask defines the era. Here is the definitive list of the seven live-action Catwomen who have shaped the history of Gotham City's most famous feline fatale, complete with the latest news.

The Live-Action Catwoman Actresses and Their Current Status

The role of Catwoman has been interpreted by seven distinct actresses in major live-action film and television projects. Each star brought a unique energy, costume, and dynamic with the Dark Knight, ensuring that the character of Selina Kyle remains one of the most multifaceted in the DC Universe.

1. Zoë Kravitz: The Latest and Most Grounded Catwoman

Zoë Isabella Kravitz (Born: December 1, 1988) is an American actress, singer, and model. She is the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. Her career includes roles in *X-Men: First Class*, the *Divergent* series, and the critically acclaimed HBO series *Big Little Lies*. * Project: *The Batman* (2022), directed by Matt Reeves. * Selina Kyle Interpretation: Kravitz portrayed a grounded, street-smart, and deeply empathetic Selina Kyle, working as a waitress and a thief in Gotham City. Her costume was notably practical and less overtly sexualized than previous versions. * Current Update: The most recent, and perhaps most surprising, news is the confirmation that Zoë Kravitz will not reprise her role as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the highly anticipated sequel, *The Batman Part II*. While initial reports suggested uncertainty, the latest information indicates no deal is in place for her return, leaving the door open for a new interpretation or a focus on other villains for Robert Pattinson's Batman. Furthermore, Kravitz has just made her directorial debut with the film *Blink Twice*, starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, marking a significant transition in her career.

2. Anne Hathaway: The Dark Knight Rises' Cunning Anti-Hero

Anne Jacqueline Hathaway (Born: November 12, 1982) is an Academy Award-winning American actress known for her versatility across genres, including *The Princess Diaries*, *The Devil Wears Prada*, and *Les Misérables*. * Project: *The Dark Knight Rises* (2012), directed by Christopher Nolan. * Selina Kyle Interpretation: Hathaway’s version was a cynical, master burglar and grifter who used her charm and martial arts skills to survive in a corrupt Gotham. Her costume was a sleek, tactical catsuit with goggles that flipped up to resemble cat ears. * Current Update: Hathaway has frequently expressed her excitement for the character's legacy, offering high praise for Zoë Kravitz's performance, calling it "perfect". A decade after her film's release, director Christopher Nolan still advocates for Anne Hathaway to get her own Catwoman spin-off movie. This ongoing support from the legendary director keeps the hope for a return to her version of the character alive among fans, even if only in a comic or animated form.

3. Michelle Pfeiffer: The Unstable, Iconic Catwoman

Michelle Marie Pfeiffer (Born: April 29, 1958) is a celebrated American actress with a career spanning over four decades, earning multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for films like *Dangerous Liaisons* and *The Fabulous Baker Boys*. * Project: *Batman Returns* (1992), directed by Tim Burton. * Selina Kyle Interpretation: Pfeiffer's performance is legendary, portraying Selina Kyle as a meek secretary who is killed and resurrected by cats, leading to a psychotic break. Her chaotic, stitched-up vinyl catsuit symbolized her unraveling mental state. * Current Update: Pfeiffer's Catwoman is enjoying a significant resurgence in the current pop culture landscape. A new preview has officially tied Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman back into the "Keatonverse" continuity—the timeline featuring Michael Keaton's Batman—by revealing her connection to a Madonna-inspired Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn). Furthermore, Pfeiffer delighted fans by recently posting a video of herself reuniting with her iconic 1992 costume, proving her enduring connection to the role.

4. Halle Berry: The Standalone Catwoman

Halle Maria Berry (Born: August 14, 1966) is an Academy Award-winning American actress and former model, known for roles in *Monster's Ball* and the *X-Men* franchise. * Project: *Catwoman* (2004), a standalone film where she played Patience Phillips. * Selina Kyle Interpretation: In this non-traditional take, Berry's character, Patience Phillips, is an artist who dies and is brought back to life by an Egyptian Mau cat, granting her feline powers. Her costume was a highly-criticized, barely-there leather ensemble. * Current Update: As the film recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, Halle Berry has openly reflected on the intense critical and commercial backlash the movie received. She expressed that she "hated that it got all the hate" and acknowledged the difficulty of the project. In a more lighthearted update, Berry amusingly asserted her claim as the "Real Catwoman" in a social media post, sharing pictures of her recent cat rescues, proving her real-life affinity for felines.

The Golden Age of Catwomen: TV's Purr-fect Trio

The character's live-action debut was in the 1960s *Batman* television series, which saw the role rotated among three talented actresses, each leaving an indelible mark on the character's persona.

5. Julie Newmar: The Original Slinky Catwoman

Julie Newmar (Born: August 16, 1933) is an American actress, dancer, and singer. She is often credited with defining the character's seductive, playful, and glamorous persona in the public eye. * Project: *Batman* (1966 TV Series, Seasons 1 & 2). * Current Update: Newmar remains actively connected to the DC Universe. She has recently lent her voice to animated features like *Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders* (2016) and *Batman vs. Two-Face* (2017), ensuring her original interpretation continues to influence new generations. Furthermore, new high-end dioramas and figures based on her iconic 1966 catsuit are still being unveiled, celebrating her enduring legacy.

6. Eartha Kitt: The Distinctive Voice of Villainy

Eartha Mae Kitt (1927–2008) was an American singer, dancer, and actress known for her highly distinctive purring vocal style. She was a true icon of the mid-20th century. * Project: *Batman* (1966 TV Series, Season 3). * Legacy: Kitt's portrayal was groundbreaking, as she was the first Black actress to play Catwoman. Her unique, sultry voice and magnetic screen presence made her version unforgettable, bringing a new, fiercer energy to the villain.

7. Lee Meriwether: The First Film Catwoman

Lee Ann Meriwether (Born: May 27, 1935) is an American actress who was Miss America 1955. Her career includes roles in *Barnaby Jones* and *Star Trek*. * Project: *Batman: The Movie* (1966), the first feature film spin-off of the TV series. * Legacy: Meriwether played Catwoman in the theatrical movie, often disguising herself as the Russian journalist Miss Kitka. Her performance is sometimes overshadowed by Newmar's TV run but holds the distinction of being the first cinematic Selina Kyle.

The Evolution of the Catwoman Costume and Character

The *Catwoman* character, first appearing in *Batman #1* (1940), is inextricably linked to her shifting appearance, which reflects the changing times and cinematic trends. * The Golden Age (Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt, Lee Meriwether): The initial live-action costumes were designed to be glamorous and provocative, reflecting the playful, campy tone of the *Batman '66* era. Julie Newmar’s metallic black suit was sleek and highlighted her dancer's physique. * The Gothic Era (Michelle Pfeiffer): Tim Burton’s *Batman Returns* introduced the most symbolic costume. The chaotic white stitching on Pfeiffer’s vinyl catsuit was a visual representation of her character's mental breakdown and her rebirth as a vengeful anti-hero. * The Sci-Fi/Action Era (Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway): Halle Berry's costume was a controversial departure, resembling a bondage-inspired outfit rather than a functional catsuit. Anne Hathaway’s suit was a return to practicality, a tactical, high-tech black suit designed for stealth and combat, fitting the grounded realism of Christopher Nolan's trilogy. * The Modern Realism (Zoë Kravitz): Kravitz's Selina Kyle wore a simple, black, high-neck outfit with a balaclava and cat ears cut into it, emphasizing her role as a low-level Gotham thief and reflecting the gritty, neo-noir aesthetic of Matt Reeves' film. The debate over the best Catwoman performance continues to rage among fans, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Zoë Kravitz often cited for their depth, while Anne Hathaway is praised for her pitch-perfect comic-accurate interpretation. The enduring popularity of the character ensures that the Catwoman movie history will only continue to grow, with new actresses stepping into the iconic role, wielding the signature bullwhip and challenging the Caped Crusader for generations to come.