Soon after the release of Matt Reeves’ blockbuster hit, The Batman news circulated that he was developing a spin-off for HBO Max centered on Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, played by Zoë Kravitz. This would be in addition to the planned sequels and spin-offs for The Penguin, played by Colin Farrell, and Arkham Asylum.
Although this hasn’t been officially confirmed, fans are eagerly hoping for good news. Some even took to Reddit to share what they would like to see in a Catwoman spin-off and her future in Reeves’ Batverse.
Quality Over Quantity
One of the biggest critiques for The Batman was its runtime. At nearly three hours, watching the movie can be a bit of a commitment to many viewers. As such, many are concerned that this could become a trend for the spin-off series. Specifically for Catwoman, the desire to see more of Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle is high. u/DialZforZebra wrote, “I'd happily watch a Catwoman series with Zoe Kravitz, but please don't try and force 12-24 episodes out of it. Quality over quantity. 6 episodes would be a good fit.”
Mixing inspiration from several iconic comic lines – some even written by Reeves’ college screenwriting teacher, Jeph Loeb – worked in creating an authentic and cohesive story in The Batman. Therefore, fans can feel secure in Catwoman’s series receiving the same treatment and attention to detail.
The Rise Of Catwoman
The Batman was unique among comic book movies as it was not an origin story. It found Bruce Wayne two years into being the Batman and though he was inexperienced, he still commanded a presence over the citizens of Gotham City. However, many fans suggest that the Catwoman series be more of a traditional origin series – the same is being said for The Penguin’s show - with her fully adopting the moniker of Catwoman.
As such, many are hoping to see her rise to become the beloved anti-hero that she is in the comics. At the end of The Batman, she is seen leaving Gotham for Blüdhaven – famous for its relationship with Nightwing – where u/Phoenixstorm say it “would be amazing watching her rise to become her fully realized self then returning to Gotham as a socialite w a robin hood complex.” This seems like a no-brainer, but it is a sentiment shared by many.
Continued Vendettas
Unlike previous portrayals of Catwoman across films and television, Kravitz’s was not driven by the greed of a burglar, but rather personal vendettas. Like Batman, she is an agent of vengeance, yet together they were able to partially excise their demons. Nevertheless, it would be foolish to think she has changed her ways completely. She is now off to Blüdhaven and says she’ll start anew, but she might have someone new in her sights.
u/DisownedDemon12 suggested that “Selina goes to Bludhaven because all the while she's being keeping tabs on Falcone and wants to bring down his entire family piece by piece.” This would continue the story established by taking inspiration from The Long Halloween and its sequel Dark Victory to craft Selina’s story in The Batman and it would incorporate characters like Sofia and Alberto Falcone, likely in antagonistic roles.
Comic Book Accuracies
There are plentiful options to draw from to create a cohesive and thorough Catwoman solo series as part of Reeves’ Batverse. u/CommunicationSoggy53 thinks “They can make it a When in Rome adaptation or that story in Ego and Other Tales called Selina's Big Score.” When in Rome, in fact, was also written by Jeph Loeb and takes place concurrently with Dark Victory.
It follows Catwoman in search of her parent’s identity – which she knows definitively in The Batman – it also gives insight into Sofia Falcone, ing interest in her appearance. Selina’s Big Score finds Catwoman in a heist and escapade gone wrong and it is also associated with a member of the Falcone crime family, Frank Falcone. Either would make a worthy and logical follow-up, but they could also work together as well.
A Focus On Catwoman, Not Batman
There are many pitfalls in making a unified and connective universe, and since this one is centered around Gotham City and Batman, it all goes back to him. Some fans expressed concerns that any of the planned and future spin-offs might try to rely on Robert Pattinson’s Batman even if unnecessary. Despite their important relationship, fans want to see Selina's full and authentic transition into the iconic character on her own.
Therefore, many are hoping that Batman won’t even appear beyond short bursts so the shows can really thrive on their own. u/Flyboy_1978 hopes “to have Batman’s appearance in these shows to be very minimal. GD, Penguin and Catwoman and he is referenced but only shows up in small cameos.” He would be necessary for creating the overall authenticity, but not to the central plot.
Interesting New Characters
Like in any good comic book show, Catwoman would need to surround herself with a colorful and unique cast of characters, and there is no shortage of worthy candidates in the comics Some make more sense than others, such as Holly Robinson, her protégé, or Dick Grayson aka Nightwing. However, it would be unlikely for Grayson to be introduced in a significant role in the Catwoman series since both Reeves and Pattinson are eager to feature him in the films.
The most important character to introduce and focus on would be the antagonist. As stated before, many theorize that the Falcone family could continue serving in that role. Yet some suggest other names like u/21redrobin, who said “It would be cool to see her skills develop as she goes up against other thieves” while suggesting the Royal Flush Gang and Roulette. Regardless, the choice of new characters and villains would need to feel authentic to the world Reeves crafted.