The highly anticipated sequel to The Batman will move forward without Zoë Kravitz reprising her role as Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, according to confirmation from Variety. This development follows earlier reports and persistent rumors regarding the Zoë Kravitz Catwoman exit, which had been gaining traction since August. Kravitz’s absence comes after journalists at a press junket were instructed not to question her about the next installment, with sources indicating she is
“not in it and doesn’t know anything.”
— Sources reported
Production Decisions Shape the Gotham Narrative
Although some fans initially believed the avoidance of sequel questions was merely an effort to shield upcoming plot details, Variety’s confirmation dispelled any uncertainty. According to individuals familiar with the film’s production,
“Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman is not expected to return for the film, according to sources with knowledge of the production.”
— Variety sources
The previous film concluded with Robert Pattinson’s Batman and Kravitz’s Catwoman parting company in Gotham City, following an alliance formed during their struggle against adversaries. While many assumed Selina Kyle would reappear to support the Dark Knight in future adventures, this latest update makes it clear that her arc will not continue in the upcoming installment.
Recent Developments and Plot Implications
Catwoman’s presence was not only significant in the first movie, but also carried over into The Penguin season finale, which saw Sofia Falcone receive a letter from her half-sister, a reveal linked to Selina. Given the ambiguity surrounding the future direction of the “BatVerse,” especially after the emergence of The DCU, it remains uncertain how or if this storyline will be revisited in subsequent projects. The creative team led by Matt Reeves and Mat Tomlin ultimately determined that Catwoman’s character would not have a place in The Batman – Part II.
Speculation and New Faces in The Batman – Part II
In light of Kravitz’s exit, attention has turned to news emerging just last night. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in advanced discussions for a key but yet undisclosed role in the forthcoming movie. Reports suggest Johansson might portray a villain or potentially a new romantic interest for Bruce Wayne who, in a twist, could also be revealed as an antagonist.
Director Matt Reeves, while not divulging specific storylines, confirmed in an interview that preparations for the next film are proceeding at pace.
“We’re beginning. We’re staffing up. We’re starting to get our crew back together. We’re getting ready. We’re basically entering [pre-production]. We’ll be making the movie in the spring… super excited,”
Reeves told THR. — Matt Reeves, Director
Maintaining Secrecy Around The Upcoming Film
With high expectations for the mystery and detective elements the sequel promises, Reeves emphasized the importance of secrecy.
“Because of what the first movie was and what [The Batman: Part 2] is, which is so much a detective story, the idea of trying to protect the secrets of the movie is super important because it’s a mystery. That would be an extra level of heartbreak if that part of it started getting out. You wanna keep the surprise so the fans… can have the fun experience that I always love going to the movies, which was to go and be surprised.”
— Matt Reeves, Director
Script Delivered and Reactions from Robert Pattinson
Reeves revealed that Robert Pattinson, who portrays Batman, has received and read the highly secured script for the sequel. The director shared his relief and excitement after Pattinson expressed enthusiasm for the new narrative.
“He’s Batman, so if he doesn’t like it, not good. So, I was super excited because I thought that he really would [like it] because the things that it does for his character, for Batman, and for [Bruce Wayne] has never been done before in this way. And I had a feeling he would respond in this way, the fact that he did was incredibly encouraging.”
— Matt Reeves, Director
Shaping the Future of the BatVerse
The decision to leave Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman out of The Batman – Part II marks a notable shift in the evolving DC Comics universe and will reshape how the next chapter develops for Robert Pattinson’s Batman and related Gotham characters. With Scarlett Johansson’s rumored participation and an emphasis on mystery in the upcoming film, Warner Bros. is aiming to keep both fans and critics anticipating what comes next in the BatVerse. The exclusion of Selina Kyle may provide opportunities for new characters and storylines, further deepening the detective noir approach that director Matt Reeves is championing in this new era for the franchise.
