Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, in Batman moviePhoto: Warner Bros.
Zoë Kravitz made her official DC Universe debut in Matt Reeves’ The Batman as Catwoman (the Lego Batman movie doesn’t really count), but she’s been eyeing a Batman movie for a while.
In an interview with The Guardian, the multi-hyphenated star says she tried to audition for The Dark Knight Rises back in 2012 but was told she was too “urban” for it – which in Hollywood means “not white.” enough.”
However, Kravitz is careful not to place the blame on Christopher Nolan, saying “it was probably some casting director or casting director’s assistant”. She adds: “Being a woman of color and being an actress and at the time I was told I couldn’t read because of the color of my skin and the word ‘urban’ that was thrown around was what really mattered. hard at the moment.”
The actor previously spoke to Nylon about the experience, saying, “What does [her race] be related to anything?”
Whoever decided not to go with Kravitz because she’s a woman of color is probably kicking herself now because there is there was a lot of positive feedback from fans that Kravitz took on the role. She also makes a great Catwoman, bringing a balance of vulnerability, depth, and sultryness to the role.
Batman’s final scene sets the stage for a sequel. Reeves said this doesn’t necessarily mean he’s creating his own Batman franchise, but if a sequel does come out, Kravitz will have plenty of room to explore if she returns as Catwoman.
She told Empire last year that Batman was “Selina’s origin story.” She explains: “This is the beginning of her understanding of who she is, beyond just trying to survive. I think there’s a lot of room for growth and I think we’re watching her become what I’m sure will become a femme fatale.”