Why Catwoman Deserves Her Own Batman Film

Published Apr 26, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
Derek serves as ScreenRant's Training Lead, bringing two decades of experience from gaming, television, and film to his current role. His background also includes contributions to various entertainment publications.
In addition to his editorial duties, Derek co-hosts three popular pop culture podcasts: The Bad Batch, The Bad Batch, and Watch Men.

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Batman's rogues gallery stands among the finest in comics and American storytelling, with characters like the Joker achieving blockbuster success. Joker remains one of the few DC films surpassing a billion at the box office post-Nolan era, while Harley Quinn has featured prominently across multiple productions. Interestingly, one of Batman's most iconic adversaries—often portrayed as an antihero in comics—has yet to secure a standalone feature.

Despite appearances in numerous Batman adaptations since the 1960s, Catwoman remains uniquely absent from a solo cinematic treatment. While other villains like the Joker and Clayface have received dedicated films, this omission feels increasingly puzzling. The 2004 Catwoman starring Halle Berry serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how poor execution can derail entire franchises.

The film's disastrous reception—financial failure, critical scorn, and cultural backlash—left lasting scars. Its impact extended beyond cinema, influencing video game development and industry reputations. Yet two decades later, Catwoman's absence persists despite her enduring popularity.

Modern audiences demand representation for underrepresented characters. With DC Studios expanding its universe through projects like Black Adam and The Batman, the timing seems ripe for a Catwoman film that honors her legacy while addressing past missteps.

Created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
First Film: Man of Steel
First TV Show: Batman: The Animated Series
Key Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Jay Hernandez, Cara Delevingne, Robin Wright, Mark Strong, Jason Momoa, Zoe Saldana
Notable Appearances: Superman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, The Joker, Shazam, Doomsday
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• Comic Book Origins
• TV Adaptations
• Voice Acting Legacy
• Cultural Impact
• Recent Projects

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