For The Batman, Matt Reeves found his Dark Knight in Robert Pattinson but he is still putting all his other pieces together, such as Catwoman, one of the sundry villains slated to be in the film. Reeves’ quest for the next Selina Kyle took a turn.
A source told Heroic Hollywood Reeves is looking for a woman of color, or at least someone biracial, to star as Catwoman opposite Pattinson. Reeves wants an actress along the lines of Zoe Kravitz, whom he had in mind, but will be too busy.
A previous report noted Hobbs & Shaw actress Vanessa Kirby was being eyed for Catwoman in The Batman although it was suggested no offer was made yet. This latest news indicates Reeves is going in a different direction and Kirby might not be in the running, after all. She also may return to the Mission: Impossible franchise which would put more of a damper on her chances. (Related: Rumor: Hobbs & Shaw Actress Vanessa Kirby Being Eyed for Catwoman)
It’s Been Done
A Catwoman of color is not a new idea by any means. Halle Berry played an “Elseworlds” Catwoman in the 2004 standalone film considered by many to be the absolute worst ever made, as far as movies and adaptations of a Batman property go. Eartha Kitt was the first woman of color to play Catwoman and her performance in the third season of the campy 1960s Batman TV show — with her trademark purrs and rolled r’s — is iconic.
Kitt was one of three actresses who wore the catsuit on that show (Julie Newmar and Lee Meriwether were the others) and she is considered the best by fans and her peers. The late Adam West, in his cameo on the fourth season of The Simpsons (episode nine, Mr. Plow), called her “one of the only true” Catwomen. (Related: The Oscars Snub Adam West, Powers Boothe, and More)
Lee Meriwether agreed, stating Kitt was her favorite Catwoman during an appearance on Space Ghost Coast to Coast in 1993.
Other actresses, from Eiza Gonzalez to Vanessa Hudgens, have stirred rumors over the last several months, by their interesting choice of Halloween costume, they could be up for Catwoman. Aubrey Plaza engaged in a mock audition on The Late Show in June after expressing interest. (Related: Child’s Play Actress Aubrey Plaza Vies for Catwoman Role in Fake Audition With Stephen Colbert!)
Coming out on June 25, 2021, The Batman is rumored to feature a cadre of villains — highlighted by Catwoman, Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and Mad Hatter — straight out of the alleged basis of the script, 1996’s The Long Halloween. (Related: The Long Halloween Rumored to be the Inspiration for Matt Reeves’ The Batman)
What do you think of the Catwoman news? Leave a comment.