The rain in Gotham never actually stops, does it? If you've been doom-scrolling through DC rumors lately, you’ve probably seen the absolute chaos regarding catwoman new batman movie updates. One day she’s the co-lead, the next she’s supposedly cut entirely from Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman Part II.
Honestly, the internet is a mess.
Everyone wants to know if Zoë Kravitz is putting the mask back on for the 2027 sequel. But here’s the thing: people are looking at this all wrong. They’re treating Selina Kyle like a standard "love interest" who has to show up just to give Bruce Wayne someone to broodingly stare at.
She isn't that. Not in this universe.
Why Catwoman New Batman Movie Rumors Are Freaking Everyone Out
Let’s get the hard facts out of the way first. As of early 2026, the production landscape for The Batman Part II has shifted significantly. We know Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin finished the script last year. We know Robert Pattinson is back to being the world’s most emo detective. But the "official" word on Catwoman? It’s complicated.
Reports from industry heavyweights like Variety and Deadline have recently suggested that Zoë Kravitz is not expected to return for the second film.
Wait. Don’t throw your Batarang at the screen yet.
🔗 Read more: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
This doesn't mean the character is "dead" or that Kravitz is done with the franchise. If you look at how the first movie ended, Selina literally rode her motorcycle out of Gotham and headed toward Blüdhaven. She told Bruce point-blank that the city was a lost cause. For her to just pop back up three weeks later because the plot needs a female lead would actually kind of ruin her character arc. It’d be cheap.
The Scarlett Johansson Factor
Adding fuel to the fire is the confirmed casting of Scarlett Johansson in an undisclosed role. Fans immediately jumped to the conclusion that she’s "replacing" Catwoman.
She isn't.
The word around the Burbank lot is that Johansson is playing a completely different character—possibly linked to the new power vacuum in Gotham. Sebastian Stan is also in talks for a major role (rumors say Harvey Dent, but let’s wait for the ink to dry). With these massive names joining, the sequel is getting crowded. There might simply not be enough oxygen in a 3-hour movie to give Selina the screen time she deserves.
What Matt Reeves Actually Said About Selina Kyle
Matt Reeves is a nerd. I say that with respect. He’s obsessed with the "Epic Crime Saga" he’s building, which includes The Penguin series on HBO. In past interviews, Reeves has been very vocal about the "push and pull" of Bruce and Selina.
He’s noted that they are "two orphans" who see the world through the same cracked lens but have different ways of fixing it. Bruce wants to save the system; Selina wants to survive it.
💡 You might also like: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
The Blüdhaven Tease and the "LeFranc" Deal
The most interesting evidence for Catwoman’s future isn't in a movie trailer. It’s in the business deals. Lauren LeFranc, the showrunner who turned The Penguin into a massive hit, recently signed a major overall deal with Warner Bros. and HBO.
There is a very strong buzz that instead of a catwoman new batman movie appearance, we are getting a standalone Catwoman series.
Think about it. In the series finale of The Penguin, there was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tease involving a letter to Sofia Falcone from her half-sister, Selina Kyle. Why plant that seed if you’re just going to let the character rot in Blüdhaven? Giving Selina her own show allows her to be the protagonist of her own story rather than just "Batman’s girlfriend."
Why Her Absence Might Actually Be Good
I know, it sounds like heresy. But hear me out.
Batman is at his best when he’s isolated. At the end of the first film, Bruce Wayne finally realized he needs to be a symbol of hope, not just vengeance. If he’s immediately distracted by a complicated romance, we lose that focus on his growth as a hero.
The Batman Part II is reportedly exploring the "greyer" areas of Gotham’s recovery after the flood. It’s about power dynamics. With the Riddler in Arkham and the Penguin rising to power, Bruce needs to be fully present.
📖 Related: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
Selina's absence creates a void. It makes her eventual return—likely in the third film or a spin-off—feel earned and explosive.
What to Expect Instead
So, if we aren't getting the Bat/Cat dynamic, what are we getting?
- A More Mature Bruce: He’s moving past the "Year One" phase.
- The Court of Owls? This is the theory that won’t die. Fans are desperate to see the secret society that actually runs Gotham.
- A New Villain: Reeves has teased a villain that has "never been done" properly in film before. That rules out Joker or Penguin as the primary antagonist.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re a fan of Zoë Kravitz’s portrayal, don’t panic. The "Epic Crime Saga" is designed to be sprawling.
Here is what you should actually do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch The Penguin on Max: If you skipped it, go back. It sets the political stage for the sequel and contains the most direct clues about the Falcone family legacy that Selina is tied to.
- Follow Production Updates from Leavesden: Filming is scheduled to ramp up through 2026. This is where we’ll get the "paparazzi" shots of the set that usually confirm surprise cameos.
- Check for HBO Casting Calls: If a Catwoman spin-off is indeed the plan, we’ll see trade reports about a production titled "Selina" or "Sirens" within the next 12 months.
The catwoman new batman movie situation is a lesson in patience. In a world of instant-gratification cinema, Matt Reeves is playing the long game. Selina Kyle is too big of a character to just "be in a movie." She’s a force of nature. And sometimes, you have to let the storm clear before the most interesting player returns to the field.
For now, keep your eyes on the rooftops. Just because you don't see her doesn't mean she isn't watching.
Next Steps: Keep a close eye on Warner Bros.' official shareholder reports for 2026. These documents often confirm filming schedules and spin-off budgets before the marketing teams even start their engines. If a Catwoman series is greenlit, that’s where the first "boring" but factual confirmation will hide.