When it comes to iconic characters in the Batman universe, Catwoman has always stolen the spotlight (and a few diamonds). From her sultry charm to her morally ambiguous antics, she’s been a fan favorite for decades. But what really makes Catwoman so unforgettable? It’s the incredible actresses who have brought her to life.
From the mysterious allure of Julie Newmar in the 1960s to Zoë Kravitz’s fierce modern take, every actress has left her own paw print on Gotham’s rooftops. Let’s dive into the complete lineup of Catwoman actresses in Batman movies, explore their performances, and see how each one redefined this feline femme fatale. Get ready for a nostalgic trip through the Bat-verse—you might just find your favorite Catwoman along the way!
Catwoman in Batman Movies: A Look at Her Impact and Evolution on Screen
The Catwoman cast is listed below. From Julie Newmar to Eartha Kitt Catwoman, and Zoe Kravitz Catwoman, our guide has everything you need to know. So, let’s get into the details.
Advertisement 1. Julie Newmar – “Batman” (1966)
Julie Newmar was the first to play a particular role on TV and in Catwoman cast. Many fans remember her from the classic Batman show. She showed us that Catwoman is all about being intelligent, attractive, funny, and having a strong character.
However, she had to leave the show after two seasons because she had another movie role simultaneously. 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 likeable and a bit dangerous. Unlike most Catwomen who are usually good, 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.
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Hidden Fact: Many people don’t know the catsuit design was her idea. She added the gold belt to highlight her waist, creating one of the most beautiful costumes in Batman history.
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 about scheduling issues, Julie Newmar did not get a chance to reprise her role. Meriwether, possibly the first live-action Catwoman, faced emulating Newmar’s iconic performance, leaving her with limited room to infuse her 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 TV universe 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.
Since you’re interested in Catwoman cast, you might also need to read the Batman Caped Crusader cast, which has created a fuss among the fans.
3. Eartha Kitt – “Batman” (1967)
With Julie Newmar leaving Batman Catwoman cast due to her other movie commitment, 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. Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman 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.
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Fun fact: The suit she is wearing was so tight that she had to be vacuum-sealed into it before filming.
5. Halle Berry – “Catwoman” (2004)
In 2004, Warner Bros. tried to capitalize on Catwoman cast 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. In the film, he cast Anne Hathaway Catwoman, 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.
For the same genre, you can watch Joker: Folie à Deux, and Marvel Movies.
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 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. Her only reason for a life as a cat burglar was revenge on the man who abandoned her and her mother years before. The movie also puts her and Batman back on the same page.
Wrap Up
That’s the story of Catwoman cast 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 own 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.