Batman Fans Reveal What They Really Think Of Zoë Kravitz's Catwoman
Zoë Kravitz is the latest actor to take on the iconic role of villain-antihero-Batman love interest Catwoman (depending on what version you're watching) in Matt Reeves' "The Batman." Eight actors, including Kravitz, have slipped into a skin-tight black latex costume of Selina Kyle's alter ego: Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt (the first Black actor to play the role) in the original "Batman" series, Lee Meriwether in Leslie H. Martinson's 1966 "Batman," Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992's "Batman Returns," Halle Berry in 2004's "Catwoman," Anne Hathaway in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises," and Camren Bicondova in the WB series "Gotham."
Although "The Batman" may prove to be Kravitz's most high-profile role to date, the actor has already amassed an impressive television and film resume. Her TV credits include the Showtime series "Californication," HBO's "Big Little Lies," and Hulu's underappreciated and short-lived adaptation of the John Cusack movie "High Fidelity." Kravitz is no stranger to the superhero genre; she appears as Angel Salvadore in 2011's "X-Men: First Class" as well as providing the voice of Mary Jane in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and even Catwoman in "The Lego Batman Movie." Kravitz's other film credits include "Mad Max: Fury Road," the "Divergent" trilogy, and most recently "Kimi."
Fans have strong opinions about the actors who play all of the major characters, good and evil, who inhabit Gotham. Here's what they are saying about Kravitz's Catwoman in "The Batman."
Fans call Zoë Kravitz 'the best Catwoman in history'
So, what do fans really think of Zoë Kravitz's portrayal of Catwoman in "The Batman?" They've taken to Twitter in droves to offer up their assessments of Kravitz's performance. Twitter user @catwomanarchive wrote, "as dedicated catwoman fans, we can say [without] exaggeration that #thebatman gives us the best catwoman in history — a fully-realized, loving portrayal of selina, from her most heroic to her most vengeful, delicately handling her selfish heart and a hidden potential to be greater." That's high praise from this user whose thread is an homage to the DC character. We aren't about to disparage Newmar's, Kitt's (oh, that growl), or Meriwether's more campy performances. After all, they didn't have the benefit of scripts that provided Catwoman with the depth she deserves.
Plenty of Batman fans agree with the rave review of Kravitz's performance, including @kavionmontes, who tweeted, "She was one of my fav parts of the movie. Every movement she made, the way she talked. She was Selina Kyle/catwoman to me." Another supporter of @catwomanarchive's praise of Kravitz is @lilaina87, who replied, "100% most authentic, organic, true-to-comics live-action selina kyle i've ever seen. zoë is so effortless." "She was everything and more," tweeted @NellysBurner.
"The Batman" is rapidly expanding Kravitz's fanbase. "i'm obsessed with her now !!" wrote @jerrythevirgo.
Kravitz's Catwoman is 'sexy and flirtatious'
Batman fans who have yet to see the movie are eager to see Zoë Kravitz's take on the famous feline, including @win_tyun, who wrote, "oh I need to see this movie BADLY." That's a lot of pressure for any actor, even a seasoned one like Kravitz. However, this is the same woman who has shared screentime with Hollywood heavy hitters as Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern. Not to mention she's the daughter of two entertainment icons: Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet.
"I was just saying this last night. the previous portrayals of Catwoman have been all about making her 'sexy and flirtatious and mysterious' but this version was more developed and made us see a more vulnerable Selina Kyle. This is the Catwoman I've been waiting on," tweeted @kvngjunius. Indeed, superhero movies often relegate female characters to supporting players, and sadly, the standalone "Catwoman" film didn't resonate with audiences.
Fans are calling for a Catwoman series
"THIS. THIS. THIS. THEY FINALLY GOT MY GIRL RIGHT," tweeted @winterr_wolf about Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman. This doesn't mean fans don't still have love for the other actors who have tackled the role. "Not to anger all the Michelle Pfeiffer stans out there (who's incredible as the character) but I couldn't agree more with this thread. Zoë Kravitz is hands down my favorite portrayal of Selina Kyle/Catwoman. She murdered this role," stated @MyersFTW.
Fans agree that Kravitz's portrayal of Catwoman in "The Batman" strikes the purrrfect blend of sexy, strong, sensitive, and complex. One, in particular, believes Kravitz should get a small-screen spin-off, pleading with HBO Max to "give us the #catwoman series order so we can see her be greater," tweeted @HisNameIsD.
What the future holds for Kravitz's Catwoman remains to be seen, but given the effusive praise, this kitty has gotten her claws into fans.