The Batman is director Matt Reeves' new reboot of the DC classic caped crusader. Alongside lead star Robert Pattinson as the new Bruce Wayne, he is joined by cat heroine Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, starring Zoë Kravitz. The Batman puts heavy emphasis on Kravitz's character, as Selina Kyle played a prominent role in Wayne's adventure of fighting crimes in Gotham City, while also hunting down serial killer, The Riddler (Paul Dano).
Kravitz is the latest actress who landed the iconic Catwoman role after several A-list actresses have played the character in previous interpretations. With Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns, Halle Berry in a solo film, and lastly, Anne Hathaway in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises.
Now, in a behind-the-scenes art book for The Batman, Catwoman star Zoë Kravitz opens up on the pressure that comes along with the iconic character. Read Kravitz's full quote below:
"When I got this part, I was floored, and then when the news came out I, to this day, not even on my birthday, have never received so many phone calls and text messages. That was when it hit me — this isn't just big to me, this is just a big deal. Eartha Kitt and Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry, everybody. It's an honor to be in that group of people."
"There were times when I really had to actually step away from that, because I think the pressure for it to be iconic, or to compare myself to those other incredible actresses, I think that's really dangerous."
Fortunately, Kravitz's idea of not comparing herself to previous actresses who stepped on the role clearly paid off as viewers and critics applauded the film after its theatrical release. While some actresses superbly portrayed the Catwoman role as someone very sexy and iconic, Kravitz wanted to dive into the character's internal struggles and motivations. Kravitz added, "I didn't want to get trapped in trying to make something iconic or sexy. I really wanted it to be a story about a woman who survived a hell of a life and is trying to figure out what to do next."
The pressure of playing Catwoman certainly affected Kravitz in a very good way, as no one has ever criticized her portrayal of Selina Kyle in The Batman. Gladly, even though Kravitz attempted to step aside from the 'sexy' and 'iconic' Catwoman persona, the actress managed to deliver a distinct realistic version of the Catwoman we've never seen before. Aside from The Batman's triumphant global box office receipts, Kravitz also undoubtedly secured a spot in the list of iconic Catwoman performances.
The Batman is now streaming on HBO Max.
Also Read: The Batman Director Reveals Major Detail About Catwoman's Backstory