The 7 Lives Of Selina Kyle: Ranking Every Live-Action Catwoman Actress And The Latest 2024 Updates

The role of Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, stands as one of the most complex and enduring characters in the DC universe, perpetually walking the line between villain, anti-hero, and love interest to Batman. Since her first appearance in 1940, the character has been interpreted by a stunning array of talented actresses, each bringing a unique blend of danger, sophistication, and feline grace to the iconic catsuit. As of today, December 10, 2025, the conversation is dominated by the most recent on-screen portrayal and the surprising legacy updates for a fan-favorite icon. The definitive list of live-action Catwoman actresses is a who's who of Hollywood royalty, spanning six decades of film and television. From the campy charm of the 1960s TV series to the gritty realism of the modern cinematic universe, the evolution of the *femme fatale* is a captivating study in character adaptation. We dive into the complete list, focusing on the three most prominent movie portrayals and the crucial, up-to-the-minute news about the future of the role.

The Definitive List of Live-Action Catwoman Actresses

The character of Selina Kyle has been a staple of Batman media since her debut, leading to a vibrant history of on-screen interpretations. The following actresses have all donned the iconic catsuit in live-action film and television projects, with an honorable mention for the voice talent who shaped the character in animation.

• Julie Newmar: Batman (TV Series, 1966–1967)
• Lee Meriwether: Batman: The Movie (1966)
• Eartha Kitt: Batman (TV Series, 1967–1968)
• Michelle Pfeiffer: Batman Returns (1992)
• Halle Berry: Catwoman (2004)
• Anne Hathaway: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• Camren Bicondova: Gotham (TV Series, 2014–2019)
• Zoë Kravitz: The Batman (2022)

Zoë Kravitz: The Grounded Anti-Hero and Her Uncertain Future

Zoë Isabella Kravitz (born December 1, 1988) is an American actress, singer, and filmmaker, and the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. Kravitz cemented her place in the Bat-mythos by portraying Selina Kyle / Catwoman in Matt Reeves’ neo-noir epic, The Batman (2022), opposite Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne.

Her portrayal was immediately lauded by critics and fans for its grounded, street-level realism, drawing heavily on the character's origins as a protector of the marginalized in Gotham City. Kravitz's Catwoman was less about camp or high-fashion glamour and more about survival, grit, and a deeply personal quest for justice, making her a true anti-hero in the film's narrative. Her costume was a practical, DIY leather outfit, reflecting her status as a working-class thief and a stark contrast to previous iterations.

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The Latest Update: The Batman Part II Status

While Zoë Kravitz’s performance was a highlight of the 2022 film, the most current news surrounding her role is a source of intense speculation. As of late 2024 and into 2025, there are reports suggesting that her character, Selina Kyle, is not expected to return for the highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part II. This uncertainty stems from the film's director, Matt Reeves, potentially choosing to focus on a new rogues' gallery, or simply delaying the return of the Bat/Cat dynamic. This development keeps her return—or lack thereof—as the most talked-about piece of news for the franchise today.

In addition to her acting career, Kravitz made her directorial debut in 2024 with the psychological thriller Blink Twice (which she also co-wrote), further establishing her credentials as a major creative force in Hollywood.

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Michelle Pfeiffer: The Definitive Icon and Her Surprising Comic Legacy

For an entire generation, the name Catwoman is synonymous with Michelle Pfeiffer (born April 29, 1958). Her performance in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992) is often cited as the definitive live-action portrayal of the character. Pfeiffer's Selina Kyle was a timid, mousy secretary who, after a near-fatal fall from a skyscraper, is reborn as a psychotic, whip-cracking villainess consumed by vengeance. The transformation from Selina to Catwoman was a masterpiece of dark comedy and gothic horror, perfectly fitting Burton's aesthetic.

The iconic, stitched-up vinyl catsuit and her mesmerizing, unhinged energy set a benchmark for comic book movie performances that few have matched. Her Catwoman was pure chaotic energy, a true *femme fatale* with a complex, tragic backstory that made her both terrifying and sympathetic.

The Keatonverse Continuity Update

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Despite her last major film appearance as Catwoman being over three decades ago, Michelle Pfeiffer’s iteration remains relevant in the current comic book landscape. In a massive update for fans of the Burton films, Pfeiffer's version of the character has been officially brought back into continuity through the DC Comics series Batman '89, which serves as a comic book sequel to Batman Returns. The comic book series explores her life after the events of the movie and even ties her into the evolving origin of characters like Harley Quinn within the "Keatonverse" (the continuity established by the Tim Burton/Michael Keaton films). This recent continuation of her story ensures her legacy is not just historical, but an actively evolving part of the DC multiverse today.

Anne Hathaway: The Sophisticated Thief of the Nolanverse

Anne Hathaway (born November 12, 1982) brought a completely different energy to the role of Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan's grounded, realistic conclusion to his trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Hathaway’s Catwoman was a cynical, highly skilled professional thief, operating in a world where the fantastical elements of the character were stripped away for a more believable, contemporary espionage thriller feel.

In the "Nolanverse," Selina is primarily motivated by class warfare and a desire to erase her criminal past, making her a morally ambiguous figure who initially betrays Bruce Wayne to Bane. Her costume, a sleek, utilitarian black suit with high-tech goggles that flip up to resemble cat ears, reflected the film’s focus on practical technology over fantasy.

Hathaway’s performance was a quiet triumph, portraying Selina as a master manipulator and a surprisingly formidable fighter who ultimately finds redemption by choosing to help Batman save Gotham. The film concludes their story on a rare, happy note, with Bruce and Selina retiring together, a unique ending for the often-tragic characters.

The Enduring Legacy and Evolution of Selina Kyle

The story of the Catwoman actress is a reflection of Hollywood and comic book history itself. The earliest portrayals by Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Eartha Kitt in the 1960s Batman TV show captured the camp and colorful villainy of the era. Newmar’s iteration set the standard for the playful, seductive, and often humorous side of the character.

The 2004 standalone film, Catwoman, starring Halle Berry, remains a controversial entry, as it completely detached the character from the traditional Selina Kyle mythology, creating a new identity and origin story. This departure is why it is often critically separated from the main lineage of Batman films.

Ultimately, the enduring power of Catwoman lies in her duality. Every actress, from the sultry Eartha Kitt to the revolutionary Zoë Kravitz, has successfully embodied the core conflict: a woman determined to survive on the fringes of a corrupt city, constantly torn between her criminal instincts and her undeniable connection to the Caped Crusader. Whether in a comic continuation or a brand-new cinematic universe, the nine lives of Selina Kyle will continue to be interpreted by Hollywood’s most compelling talent.