The Penguin and Catwoman were previously featured inTim Burton’sBatman Returns, where they were played byDanny DeVitoandMichelle Pfeiffer, respectively. Two decades later,Anne Hathawayplayed Catwoman inChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight Rises, although the character was never referred to as “Catwoman.” Instead, she was called either “The Cat” or her real name, Selina Kyle.
As for the Penguin, otherwise known as Oswald Cobblepot, the character was played byBurgess Meredithin the original ABC television series as well as the 1966 spinoff film, whileRobin Lord Taylorplayed embodied the character on Fox’sGotham.
Reeves won’t begin casting Batman’s rogues gallery until Pattinson closes his deal, which is believed to be imminent. This despite the fact that, to the best of my knowledge, theTwilightstar hasn’t even read the script yet, because it still isn’t quite finished. But surely Reeves shared his plans with Pattinson when the two met, and it’s safe to assume he already has actors in mind to play the villains. The real question is whether Reeves will gender-flip the Penguin or perhaps another antagonist, such as the Riddler, who has also been rumored to make an appearance – though that remains unconfirmed. After all, Reeves will have to keep some surprises up his sleeve and save something special for the sequel, just like Nolan did by waiting until the second film in his Bat trilogy to introduce the Joker and Two-Face.
Josh Gadhasn’t been shy on social mediaabout lobbying to play the Penguin, and I think he’d make an excellent choice, though I could say the same aboutJonah Hilland evenMelissa McCarthy. All three of them would make a great comic book villain. Regarding Catwoman, it’s anyone’s guess, but can you imagine what someone likeSaoirse Ronancould do with that role? She earned three Oscar nominations before her 25th birthday, and would be a very intriguing choice, though she has largely avoided big-budget franchise films. Then again, so has Pattinson.
Mackenzie Daviscould also be interesting, and she has been on the verge of a comic book movie for some time, having most recently passed on a role in Marvel’sBlack Widowthat eventually went toFlorence Pugh. Before that, theTerminator: Dark Fatestar was eyed for Domino inDeadpool 2as well as a role inDrew Goddard’s plannedSinister Sixmovie.
Again, I haven’t heard that any of those actors have met with Reeves – unlikeAnsel Elgort, the star of WB’sThe Goldfinchand Steven Spielberg’s upcomingWest Side Story, who met with the director to discuss the title role – they just come to mind as strong possibilities, based on interest they’ve received for past studio tentpoles.
Warner Bros. will releaseThe Batmanon June 14, 2025. Stay tuned for more casting news, because with production starting this fall, it’s about to get crazy ‘round these parts.
