For a few years, it looks like The Batman was never going to happen. The upcoming blockbuster sat in development hell for years, losing first a director and then star in Ben Affleck. But Matt Reeves took over to helm the project, and he’s finally begun assembling his cast and crew. The Planet of the Apes director is looking for some A-List talent to popular Gotham City, with Robert Pattinson making his debut as Batman alongside Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, and Zoe Kravitz. Kravitz’ debut as Catwoman is one of the most hotly anticipated aspects of the upcoming blockbuster, and now we have an idea of what the Big Little Lies alum might look like as Selina Kyle.
Catwoman has been adapted in live-action a number of times throughout the years, notably by Michelle Pfeiffer and Anne Hathaway. Zoe Kravitz is the latest actress to portray Selina Kyle, which is all the more powerful as a woman of color who was previously denied the ability to join the Batman universe due to the color of her skin. Take a look at what she might look like in full costume below.
I don’t know about you miss kitty, but I feel so much yummier. Zoe Kravitz looks absolutely killer as Catwoman, in a costume that resembles the character’s recent appearance on the comics (which you can read up on here.)
This fan image comes to us from ScreenRant, and actually featured a few different possible designs for Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman. Matt Reeves’ plans for the character and her costume are currently a mystery, but you can see how badass Kravitz might look like in full Catwoman gear. She’s got the character’s ears and goggles, and wielding Catwoman’s signature whip. Is it 2021 yet?
Zoe Kravitz has shown her ability to act earnestly in fantasy series, so she’s a great choice to play Selina Kyle in the DC Extended Universe. She had a supporting role in George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road, and recently played Leta Lestrange in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. And now she’ll join the DCEU like Big Little Lies co-star Nicole Kidman and her stepfather Jason Momoa.
I’m interested to see how Selina Kyle factors into the story of The Batman, and what her relationship with Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne might be like. The dynamic between Catwoman and Batman is a fascinating one. On any given day they can be enemies, allies, or romantic interests. Matt Reeves will introduce a new Batman to the shared universe, and therefore can make whatever storytelling choices he wants regarding the Dark Knight, and the various rogues who will join him on this highly anticipated adventure.
Since Anne Hathaway recently played Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Christopher Nolan’s 2012 hit The Dark Knight Rises, Matt Reeves will likely want to separate Zoe Kravitz’ version of the character from her predecessor. Nolan made her an adept thief, but she didn’t wield a whip or have the character’s gymnastic and hand-to-hand abilities. Fingers crossed that Zoe Kravitz’ version is a closer adaptation from the comics, both in her skills and interpersonal relationships.
It will also be fascinating to see how the characters introduced in The Batman factor into the larger shared universe, and if they end up crossing over with other characters and franchises. Gotham City is becoming a major setting in Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey, with characters like Huntress, Black Canary, and Renee Montoya joining the likes of Harley Quinn.
The Batman is currently set to arrive in theaters on June 25th, 2021. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.