The Unseen Catwoman: Why The Zoë Kravitz Spin-Off TV Show Was Officially Denied

The seductive allure of a dedicated *Catwoman* TV show, starring Zoë Kravitz as the complex Selina Kyle from Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* universe, has been one of the most persistent and exciting rumors in the DC fandom. For months, speculation was rampant that following the success of the gritty *The Penguin* series, the next logical step for the "Batverse" on HBO Max would be a deep dive into the life of Gotham's most famous anti-heroine. This potential series promised a dark, heist-focused thriller, exploring Selina’s life after she left Gotham with the Dark Knight’s blessing, potentially bridging the gap between *The Batman* and the upcoming sequel, *The Batman Part II*.

However, as of late 2025, the dream of a Kravitz-led *Catwoman* series has been officially put to rest, at least for the immediate future. HBO and Max CEO and Chairman Casey Bloys confirmed that despite the swirling speculation, a spin-off focusing on Selina Kyle is currently not in development. This denial is a significant development, forcing fans to re-evaluate where the fan-favorite character will appear next, especially given her intriguing presence and subtle teases within the narrative of *The Penguin* and the ever-shifting landscape of the DC cinematic universe.

The Zoë Kravitz Catwoman Spin-Off: Hype, Denial, and Future Potential

The groundwork for a Selina Kyle spin-off was laid the moment Zoë Kravitz’s portrayal of Catwoman captivated audiences in 2022’s *The Batman*. Her chemistry with Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne, combined with her compelling story of seeking justice for her friend and exploring her own lineage, made her an immediate candidate for a solo series. The success of *The Penguin*, which expanded on the criminal underworld of Gotham City, only intensified the belief that a *Catwoman* show—perhaps a gritty heist-thriller focused on her adventures outside of Gotham or her eventual return—was inevitable.

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The Official Word from HBO Max

Despite the strong narrative potential and fan demand, Casey Bloys, the head of content at HBO and Max, officially addressed and shut down the rumors. He clarified that while the "Batverse" is expanding with other projects, a dedicated *Catwoman* show is not currently on the slate. This decision suggests a strategic focus on other key areas of Matt Reeves’ interconnected world, or perhaps a desire to keep Selina Kyle’s story tightly woven into the main narrative of the Batman films.

Catwoman’s Lingering Presence in *The Penguin*

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Even without a physical appearance, Catwoman’s shadow loomed large in the Max series *The Penguin*. The finale, in particular, made her presence felt by teasing a possible future team-up or confrontation. The storyline involving Sofia Falcone, who is sent back to Blackgate Penitentiary, subtly sets the stage for Selina Kyle’s involvement. Some fans speculate that the series’ conclusion was a deliberate setup for a future team-up between Selina and a newly incarcerated Sofia Gigante, suggesting that while a full spin-off may be denied, her story is far from over in this universe.

The Shifting Sands: Catwoman in *The Batman Part II* and Beyond

The future of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman in the Batverse remains a central point of fan discussion and speculation, especially as details about *The Batman Part II* begin to emerge. Her departure from Gotham at the end of the first film left her story open-ended, and her return is highly anticipated.

The Question of Return in *The Batman Part II*

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A surprising and persistent rumor suggests that Zoë Kravitz may not return for *The Batman Part II*. While this is unconfirmed, the possibility has sparked intense debate. If Selina Kyle is indeed absent, it would explain the studio's reluctance to greenlight a spin-off, as her absence from the main film narrative would make a solo series less cohesive. This has led to even more speculative casting rumors, including the highly unlikely but widely discussed idea of a major star like Scarlett Johansson taking on a new version of the character in a completely separate DC project.

The Aztec Catwoman and DC’s Multiverse

Adding another layer of complexity is the expanding DC multiverse. A new, non-Batverse project, *Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios* (Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires), is set to introduce a completely new take on the character in 2025. This animated film will feature a different version of Catwoman, underscoring DC’s willingness to explore the character across various timelines and styles. This separation from the Reeves-verse confirms that the character of Catwoman, Selina Kyle, is a perennial figure in DC media, regardless of a specific live-action TV show.

A Look Back: Catwoman’s Iconic TV History and Topical Authority

While the modern live-action TV show remains elusive, Catwoman has a rich and celebrated history on the small screen, providing a strong foundation of topical authority for the character.

The 1960s *Batman* TV Series

The character's most famous and influential television appearances came in the 1960s *Batman* TV series. This version of Catwoman was a primary antagonist and Batman’s most prominent female arch-nemesis, known for her campy, theatrical heists and her playful, often romantic, dynamic with Adam West’s Batman. The role was famously played by three different actresses, each bringing a unique flair:

• Julie Newmar: The original and most iconic portrayal, known for her captivating "purr" and sleek, gold-belted costume.
• Eartha Kitt: A groundbreaking performance that introduced a new, distinct vocal style and intensity to the character.
• Lee Meriwether: Played the role in the 1966 feature film spin-off, showcasing a more theatrical version of the villain.

These classic appearances established the core elements of the character—the master thief, the flirtatious rival, and the moral ambiguity—that continue to define all subsequent iterations, including Zoë Kravitz’s take.

Future of the Feline: Comics and the *Absolute Catwoman* Miniseries

For fans craving new Selina Kyle content, the most concrete and officially announced project is in the comic book realm, demonstrating that DC continues to invest heavily in her solo narrative.

*Absolute Catwoman* (2026)

DC Comics has announced *Absolute Catwoman*, a six-issue miniseries set to be released in 2026. This project, which will feature the creative team of writer Che Grayson and artist Bengal, promises to "revolutionize" the character and give fans the Selina Kyle they’ve been waiting for. This comic book series, a spin-off from Scott Snyder's *Absolute Batman* narrative, will focus on the "Absolute" version of Selina, suggesting a high-stakes, definitive story that will likely influence future interpretations.

The Enduring Legacy of *Batman/Catwoman*

It is also worth noting the recent limited series *Batman/Catwoman* (2021–2022) published under the DC Black Label imprint. This series, by writer Tom King and artist Clay Mann, explored the rocky, romantic saga of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle across three timelines: their early days, their present as a crime-fighting couple, and their future as an elderly pair. This successful, mature exploration of their relationship proves the enduring popularity of the "Bat and the Cat" dynamic, which is the heart of any potential TV or film project.

In conclusion, while the immediate future does not hold a dedicated Zoë Kravitz *Catwoman* TV show, the character is alive and well across the DC media landscape. Her presence was strongly felt in *The Penguin*, her return to the movie franchise is highly anticipated, and a major new comic book series is on the way. The denial of the spin-off, while disappointing, simply means Selina Kyle's next big move will be a surprise, whether it’s a high-stakes heist in *The Batman Part II* or a new, revolutionary story in the pages of *Absolute Catwoman*.