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The Purr-fect Legacy: Ranking Every Live-Action Catwoman Actress And Their Shocking Current Status

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The iconic role of Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, has captivated audiences for nearly 60 years, evolving from a playful foil to a complex, morally ambiguous anti-heroine. As of late 2025, the conversation around the character is hotter than ever, especially with recent, conflicting reports about the future of the latest on-screen Selina Kyle, Zoë Kravitz, in Matt Reeves' Bat-verse. This deep dive explores the complete legacy, celebrating the seven extraordinary actresses who have donned the cowl and revealing their most current projects and surprising connections to the role today.

The character’s enduring appeal lies in her duality—a master thief with a heart of gold, forever oscillating between villainy and heroism. From the campy, sensual portrayal of the 1960s to the grounded, modern interpretation of the 2020s, each actress has left an indelible mark on the DC Universe, proving that Catwoman is not just a costume, but a cultural phenomenon that continually reinvents itself for a new generation.

The Modern Catwomen: Complete Biography and Current Status

The most recent and influential portrayals of Selina Kyle have cemented her status in modern cinema. Here is a detailed look at the three most prominent film actresses to take on the role, including their full biographical profiles and the latest news regarding their careers.

Zoë Kravitz (The Batman, 2022)

Zoë Isabella Kravitz delivered a grounded, street-smart, and deeply empathetic take on Selina Kyle in The Batman. Her performance focused heavily on the character's origins as a working-class woman seeking justice for the marginalized, making her Catwoman a true anti-hero for the 21st century.

  • Birth Name: Zoë Isabella Kravitz
  • Born: December 1, 1988 (currently 37 years old)
  • Birth Place: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet.
  • Key Roles: Leta Lestrange in the Fantastic Beasts series, Bonnie Carlson in Big Little Lies, and the lead in the Hulu series High Fidelity.
  • Current Status: Kravitz is making her directorial debut with the film Blink Twice (formerly titled Pussy Island), a thriller starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, which is one of the most anticipated releases of 2024.
  • Catwoman News Update: As of late 2025, there are conflicting reports regarding her return in The Batman Part II. While the studio is keen on her reprising the role, some sources indicate that she will not be returning as Selina Kyle, creating a major point of curiosity and speculation among fans about the sequel's plot.

Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises, 2012)

Anne Hathaway portrayed Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan's epic conclusion to his Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. Her Catwoman was a cynical, morally ambiguous master thief with a strong sense of self-preservation, ultimately finding a path to redemption alongside Bruce Wayne.

  • Birth Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
  • Born: November 12, 1982 (currently 43 years old)
  • Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Parents: Attorney Gerald Hathaway and actress Kate McCauley.
  • Key Roles: Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries, Andrea Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada, and Fantine in Les Misérables (for which she won an Academy Award).
  • Current Status: Hathaway continues to be a major box office draw, with recent high-profile projects including the romantic comedy The Idea of You (2024) and the upcoming film Mother Mary.
  • Catwoman News Update: Hathaway has openly discussed her "legacy" in the role and has been vocal in her support for Zoë Kravitz, expressing excitement for the character's continued evolution.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns, 1992)

Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal is often cited as the definitive cinematic Catwoman. Her take on Selina Kyle, an abused secretary who is resurrected and driven mad by revenge, was a dark, complex, and deeply sexualized performance that perfectly fit Tim Burton's gothic vision.

  • Birth Name: Michelle Marie Pfeiffer
  • Born: April 29, 1958 (currently 67 years old)
  • Birth Place: Santa Ana, California, U.S.
  • Key Roles: Elvira Hancock in Scarface, Susie Diamond in The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Janet van Dyne in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
  • Current Status: Pfeiffer remains a highly sought-after actress. Her recent work includes the Showtime series The First Lady and the upcoming film O'Dessa.
  • Catwoman News Update: Pfeiffer recently created a viral moment by sharing a video of herself trying on the original 1992 Catwoman costume, and she has publicly stated that she would consider a return to the role if the opportunity arose, fueling fan speculation about a possible multiverse appearance.

The Trailblazers: From Camp Classic to Cult Favorite

The character of Catwoman has a rich history that pre-dates the modern blockbusters. The actresses who first brought Selina Kyle to life established the core characteristics that define the role today: the slinky costume, the whip, and the undeniable chemistry with Batman.

Julie Newmar (Batman TV Series, 1966–1967)

Julie Newmar was the very first live-action Catwoman and set the standard for the character's sensual and playful nature. Her custom-made, gold-belted costume and seductive purr became iconic, defining the camp aesthetic of the 1960s Batman television series. Newmar’s portrayal is remembered for its witty dialogue and undeniable charisma.

  • Legacy: Newmar's Catwoman is the blueprint for the character's long-standing status as a sex symbol and cultural icon.
  • Current News: At 92, Newmar still makes rare public appearances and often reflects on her time in the role, maintaining a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Eartha Kitt (Batman TV Series, 1967–1968)

Taking over the role for the third and final season of the Batman TV series, Eartha Kitt brought a completely different energy. Her distinctive, throaty voice and ferocious intensity gave the character a more commanding and exotic presence. Kitt’s casting was groundbreaking at the time, introducing the first major Black female villain to a mainstream superhero property.

  • Impact: Kitt’s powerful performance and unique vocalizations are still celebrated, proving the character's versatility and ability to transcend race.
  • Entity: She was an accomplished singer, known for the classic Christmas song "Santa Baby."

Lee Meriwether (Batman: The Movie, 1966)

Lee Meriwether played Catwoman in the 1966 feature film adaptation, Batman: The Movie. She filled in between Julie Newmar's seasons and is often overlooked, but her performance was crucial in translating the character from the small screen to the cinema. Meriwether’s version was a master of disguise, notably posing as a Russian journalist named "Miss Kitka."

  • Entity: Meriwether is a former Miss America (1955).
  • Role: Her Catwoman was part of a villainous team-up with The Joker, The Riddler, and The Penguin.

The Controversial Chapter: Halle Berry and the Desire for Revision

The 2004 standalone film Catwoman remains the most divisive and critically maligned entry in the character's cinematic history. However, the actress at its center has recently expressed a surprising desire to return and "fix" the legacy.

Halle Berry (Catwoman, 2004)

Halle Berry’s interpretation, Patience Phillips, was a completely original character created for the film, bearing no direct connection to the Selina Kyle of the comics. The film's unique plot, stylized action, and controversial costume design led to a critical backlash and box office disappointment, earning Berry a Razzie Award, which she famously accepted in person.

  • Birth Name: Halle Maria Berry
  • Key Roles: Storm in the X-Men franchise, and her Oscar-winning role in Monster's Ball.
  • Film Title: Catwoman (2004)
  • The Backlash: Berry has reflected on the backlash, noting that she is "used to defying stereotypes" and that she has always liked the movie despite the critics.
  • Current News: In a surprising and recent turn of events, Berry has stated that Catwoman is the one role she would most like to revisit and revise, expressing a hope for a second chance to portray the character in a way that truly honors the spirit of the comic book heroine, suggesting the character may be finding a new audience 20 years later.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Catwoman

The ongoing discussion about Catwoman proves the character's remarkable topical authority in the superhero landscape. She is more than just a love interest or a villain; she is an essential thematic mirror to Batman, constantly challenging his moral code and the nature of justice in Gotham City. The evolution of the role reflects changing societal views on female anti-heroes, power, and sexuality.

The journey from Julie Newmar’s playful seductress to Zoë Kravitz’s social justice warrior highlights a critical shift in how female comic book characters are portrayed. The modern Catwoman, as seen in The Batman, is a complex entity driven by personal trauma and a desire for systemic change, a far cry from the purely theatrical villainy of the past.

The recent news about Zoë Kravitz’s uncertain future in The Batman Part II is a major talking point, forcing fans to speculate on whether the sequel will introduce a new Selina Kyle, or if her story arc was intentionally concluded in the first film. Regardless of the outcome, the legacy of the women who have played Catwoman—including the influential Eartha Kitt, the iconic Michelle Pfeiffer, and the determined Halle Berry—ensures that the character will continue to be one of the most dynamic and enduring figures in comic book history.

The Purr-fect Legacy: Ranking Every Live-Action Catwoman Actress and Their Shocking Current Status
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