Where does Zoë Kravitz stand in our ranking of the best live-action Catwoman actresses?
Like Batman himself, Catwoman has appeared in numerous comics, novels, video games, animated series, and films. Catwoman is one of Batman’s more famous foes, thanks in part to her overt sexuality and femininity, the portrayal of which has shifted slightly over the years. When fans think of Batman villains, often the Joker is the first one to come to mind. Thanks to iconic performances from Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger, the Joker is as well-known a character as Batman himself.
Meriwether’s film was a continuation of the popular Batman series, and she took over the role of Catwoman when Julie Newmar was injured and unable to take the role in the film. Though Meriwether’s Catwoman is solid, it’s hard not to compare hers to what came before. However, that may be exactly the point. As Meriwether was asked to be a replacement for the already-popular Newmar, her performance echoes and pays subtle homage to her predecessor.
5. Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman is as divisive as The Dark Knight Rises, the third film in the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, and the only one in which Selina Kyle appears. Hathaway’s Catwoman, like the movie she’s featured in, has her die-hard fans who swear she’s underrated; those who absolutely loathe her in the role; and those who feel that Hathaway gave a decent Catwoman in a decent film.
While Kitt may not be at the top of our list, her take on Catwoman was unlike anything that came before, and none since have imitated her particular style. Kitt’s Catwoman seems to actually purr each line, deliciously relishing in the role in a way that few others have. 2. Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns Tim Burton may have been the perfect director to take on Batman. His signature aesthetics and off-beat sense of humor perfectly suit our view of Batman, and he found himself the perfect Catwoman in Michelle Pfeiffer. With each Catwoman to come before , no matter how beloved, there were flaws. We dare you to find one with Pfeiffer’s portrayal, which balances the sex appeal of the character with the ridiculousness of her affinity for all things feline.