Batman has one of the best rogues’ galleries in comic books, and one of the villains that has always remained near the top of that gallery is Catwoman.While she started out as a regular antagonist, she moved more into an antihero role and eventually into a legitimate romantic relationship with Batman.In the live-action Batman shows and movies; Catwoman has been a big deal. She first appeared in the old Adam West Batman TV show, and many actresses have played her since then. We’re going to look at all the different Catwoman characters in Batman movies and shows and see how they made them awesome in their own ways. Join us for a fun ride through the history of Catwoman on the big and small screens.
1. Julie Newmar – “Batman” (1966)
Julie Newmar was the first person to play Catwoman on TV, and many fans remember her from the classic Batman show. She showed us what Catwoman is all about – intelligent, attractive, funny, and strong. However, she had to leave the show after two seasons because she had another movie role at the same time. Even though she wasn’t there for the last season and the movie that came after, Julie’s Catwoman was fabulous. She was like a purring, attractive vampire in a tight suit and heels, making every episode special. She had a playful connection with Batman, making her both likable and a bit dangerous. Unlike most Catwomen who are usually good deep down, Julie’s Catwoman loved being bad. She even came back for animated movies and was just as wonderful. There are other Catwomen who are good or maybe even better, but none are as delightful as Julie Newmar.
2. Lee Meriwether – “Batman: The Movie” (1966)
One of the talented actors was Lee Meriwether who played Catwoman in the 1966’ Batman film, due to conflicts with regard to scheduling issues, Julie Newmar did not get a chance to reprise her role. Meriwether, possibly the first live-action Catwoman, faced the daunting task of emulating Newmar’s iconic performance, leaving her with limited room to infuse her own interpretation into the character. While Meriwether delivered a skilled performance with moments of entertainment, her portrayal of Catwoman in the film is overshadowed by Newmar’s captivating and devilishly feline rendition.Being part of the 1960s Batman TVuniverse adds a layer of complexity to the legacy of Catwoman, as she stands alongside Newmar and Eartha Kitt as one of the three actresses who brought the character to life during that era.
Also read: Watch ‘Echo’ on Disney+ Outside US
3.Eartha Kitt – “Batman” (1967)
With Julie Newmar leaving Batman, the series wanted to keep the character so they recast the role. Eartha Kitt took over the role and she became the first Black Catwoman in 1967. This was a big move because Kitt was a major star.
4.Michelle Pfeiffer – “Batman Returns” (1992)
It was almost 35 years before Catwoman made it back to a live-action movie. Tim Burton revived Batman in 1989 with Michael Keaton as the new Caped Crusader. Once that movie was a hit, Burton moved on to the sequel and cast Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in the movie.
Unlike the TV show, and the comics for many years, Burton made Catwoman a sympathetic character. Pfeiffer played her as a former shy recluse who took on a sexy outlook after Max Schreck tried to kill her. She was also the deadliest version yet, willing to die to get her vengeance.
5.Halle Berry – “Catwoman” (2004)
In 2004, Warner Bros. tried to capitalize on Catwoman’s popularity by giving her a solo movie. Halle Berry starred as Catwoman, fresh off an Oscar win for Monster’s Ball and a turn for Marvel as Storm. Unfortunately, a lot went wrong there.
Berry didn’t play Selina Kyle. This was a new character named Patience Phillips, who wanted to gain revenge after the heads of a laboratory tried to be killed. The movie gained Berry a Razzie Award for her Catwoman performance one year after her Oscar win, and she showed up to accept it.
6. Anne Hathaway – “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)
In 2012, Christopher Nolan directed the final movie in his Dark Knight Trilogy, and he brought back Catwoman. He cast Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman in the film, and this was once again Seline Kyle.
Also, the movie put Catwoman and Batman on the same side again, as the two fought to stop Bane and Talia Al’ Ghul, who had taken over Gotham City. This movie also saw an unexpected end, as Catwoman and Batman both retired and left the country together.
Also read: Watch All Joker Movies In Order In USA
7. Camren Bicondova – “Gotham” (2014)
The next appearance of Catwoman was back on TV in the Fox series Gotham. This TV show was not about Batman but was instead about James Gordon, as he worked as a police officer during the rise of many villains in Batman’s rogues’ gallery. This included Catwoman, portrayed here as a teenager played by Camren Bicondova.
She met a young Bruce Wayne and slowly turned into the master cat burglar fans know from the comics, but the series ensured to keep her as a positive force and not a genuine villain like others introduced here. Gotham also had Lili Simmons play an adult version of Selina in the series finale.
8. Zoë Kravitz – “The Batman” (2022)
The most recent addition to the club of Catwoman actors is Zoë Kravitz in The Batman. She is the daughter of Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, and as a mixed-race actor, she is the third Black Catwoman, following Eartha Kitt and Halle Berry.
In this movie, Catwoman’s origin was changed, as she ended up as the illegitimate daughter of Carmine Falcone, and her only reason for a life as a cat burglar was to get revenge on the man who abandoned her and her mother years before. The movie also again put her and Batman back on the same side.
Wrap Up
That’s the story of Catwoman in Batman movies and shows! She starts as a bad guy for Batman but becomes more attractive, even having a romantic thing with him. In the TV shows and movies, different actresses played Catwoman, each making her special in their way. From the old Adam West Batman show to today, Catwoman has always been a tremendous part of the Batman world. Whether a tricky foe or a mysterious friend, Catwoman adds a lot of fun to the Batman stories we see on screens. It’s been a remarkable journey with Catwoman, and she’s one of the reasons why Batman’s world is so exciting.
Suggested: Watch ‘Feud: Capote vs. the Swans’ on F.X. Outside US