Zoe Kravitzis the latest actor to take on the role of Catwoman, joining the list of other iconic stars who portrayed the character at some point in their career. She is starring opposite Robert Pattinson, who plays Bruce Wayne, aka Batman. The film is set to premiere this Friday.
In the upcoming DC’sTheBatman, a homicidal sociopath leaves a trail of secret codes, which forces Batman to venture into Gotham City’s criminal underground. As signs point closer to home and the extent of the suspect’s intentions become clear, the winged vigilante must forge social bonds to uncover the underlying cause, and deliver justice to the city’s long-standing history of abuse, power, and corruption.
The Batman marks Kravitz’s official entry into the ranks of actresses of color, who showcased their flexibility, talent, and feminine power in this role. Here are the other women of color who also played or voiced Catwoman.
Eartha Kitt (1967-1968)
Eartha Kitt was the first Black woman to play Selina Kyle. Once Julia Newmar left Batman after two seasons, Kitt took over as Catwoman and played her from 1967 to 1968.
Kitt made her television debut in the episode Catwoman’s Dressed To Kill on December 14, 1967, breaking a racial barrier in a role that lasted over 50 years.
Halle Berry (2004)
Iconic actress Halle Berry brought in a new rendition of Catwoman in 2004. Her version has a different narrative than the traditional Selina Kyle story.
Catwoman recounts the life of Patience Phillips (played by Berry), an introverted, graphic designer who won’t stop apologizing for her own presence. Phillips worked for Hedare Beauty, a high end cosmetic brand that was about to release a “groundbreaking” anti-aging product until she uncovers a dark secret about her employer that changes the course of her life forever.
Naya Rivera
The late actress Naya Rivera lent her voice to the character as her final acting role. In the Batman: The Long Halloween, Rivera appears in part one as the iconic Selina Kyle opposite Smallville’s Jensen Ackles as Bruce Wayne.
Before her tragic passing, Rivera shared she was honored to play Catwoman, during her interview with Entertainment Tonight. She said, “Every actress I’ve ever loved has played Catwoman in some shape or form.”
Cree Summer
Cree Summer is leading the next generation of superhero fans, as she plays Catwoman in DC Super Hero Girls.
Summer is a singer and actress, best known for playing as Winifred “Freddie” Brooks on the NBC series A Different World. She has also voiced a number of animated characters, such as Penny in the 1983 movie Inspector Gadget.
written by Betti Halsell, Hollywood Melanin staff writer
Idris Elba made a major announcement that could very well shift the Global narrative lens to Africa. The British star is planning an intercontinental move!
Known for his commanding presence on screens worldwide, from the gritty streets of Baltimore in “The Wire” to the crime-ridden alleys of London in “Luther,” Elba is now turning his sights to a much grander stage – the entire African continent.
“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba stated at the Stellar Development Foundation’s Meridian conference earlier this month. This simple yet profound observation underscores his mission to transform the film industry in Africa, aiming to give the continent’s young, dynamic population a platform to tell their own stories.
Elba’s initiative is not just about building studios; it’s about building an ecosystem where African narratives can thrive globally. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk, literally, by planning to relocate to Africa within the next decade. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider—it’s going to happen,” he affirmed to the BBC, showcasing his commitment to being on the ground, fostering this new era of African cinema.
The actor’s vision includes the establishment of film studios in Zanzibar, where the government has pledged nearly 200 acres for development. This move, Elba believes, could be “the first building block of a global entertainment hub.” His ambition doesn’t stop at construction; he’s tackling the financial backbone of the creative industry, too. By partnering with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, Elba is introducing the Akuna Wallet, designed to streamline payments for local creatives, especially in economies with limited banking infrastructures. “It’s all been a puzzle,” Elba admits, referring to the logistical challenges, but he remains optimistic: “It will grow, and it can grow.”
Elba’s deep roots in Africa, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, lend authenticity and passion to his endeavor. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he passionately explained. This sentiment is not just about correcting a narrative but about enriching global cinema with stories of resilience, culture, beauty, and innovation.
His involvement extends beyond infrastructure. Elba is set to star and executive produce a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic “Things Fall Apart,” signaling his intent to not only support but actively participate in the storytelling from the continent. This project alone underscores his belief in the power of African literature and its potential for adaptation into visual media, which could inspire a renaissance of African storytelling.
However, this grand vision comes with its challenges. The African film industry, while burgeoning, faces hurdles like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a need for more local cinema spaces. Yet, Elba sees these not as barriers but as “opportunities in the waiting.” His strategy involves not just building but also fostering education, partnerships, and economic models that support sustainable growth in the creative sector.
As Idris Elba strides into this new chapter, his actions speak louder than his words. His commitment to Africa’s cinematic future isn’t just about adding another successful venture to his résumé; it’s about igniting a cultural revolution that could see African stories told by Africans, influencing global audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine. Here’s to hoping that Elba’s vision will indeed turn into reality, proving once again that the universe isn’t just full of stars but also of dreamers who dare to make those stars align.
“One of Them Days” is a hilarious buddy comedy set to premiere in theaters on January 24, 2025. Starring the dynamic duo Keke Palmer and SZA, the film promises a rollercoaster of laughter, mishaps, and the quintessential quest for rent money, all wrapped in the vibrant energy of Los Angeles.
Imagine waking up to discover your rent money has vanished, courtesy of a less-than-responsible boyfriend. This is where we find Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), best friends whose day spirals into a series of comedic attempts to salvage their living situation.
The newly released trailer follows their day-long adventure filled with desperate, laugh-out-loud strategies, from donating blood to scaling utility poles for a pair of coveted Jordans. It’s a modern take on the ‘one crazy day’ trope, infused with the spirit of classic comedies but with a contemporary twist.
Palmer, known for her versatility across acting, singing, and hosting, brings her infectious energy and comedic timing to the role of Dreux. SZA, on the other hand, is making her acting debut with this pic, bringing her unique vibe to her character, Alyssa.
The film is helmed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, both of whom previously collaborated with Rae on “Rap Sh!t.”
Aaron Pierre has been officially cast as John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming “Lanterns.” This casting marks a significant moment for DC’s live-action universe and Pierre, whose trajectory in Hollywood has been nothing short of meteoric.
John Stewart, a character with deep roots in DC lore, first appeared in “Green Lantern” #87 in 1972, created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams. Known for his military background and no-nonsense attitude, Stewart was the first African American Green Lantern, bringing diversity to a genre predominantly featuring white heroes. His portrayal has varied over the years, from animated series to video games, but HBO’s “Lanterns” introduces him to live-action in a way that could redefine the character for a new generation.
Aaron Pierre, born in Brixton, London, has quickly become one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood. His journey to John Stewart began with more minor roles but gained momentum with his portrayal of Dev-Em in the Syfy series “Krypton.” However, his role in “Rebel Ridge,” a Netflix action film that captured widespread attention, solidified his status as a rising star. Pierre’s performance as an ex-Marine showcased his ability to embody complex, action-oriented characters, a skillset that no doubt played into his casting as Stewart.
“Lanterns” promises to delve into the darker, more mysterious aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Set against the backdrop of the American heartland, the series will explore a murder mystery that draws in both John Stewart, the new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern, into an earth-based intrigue. This narrative choice not only grounds the cosmic elements of the Green Lantern lore in a familiar setting but also allows for a deep exploration of John Stewart’s character, his military background, and his transition into a cosmic peacekeeper.
The casting of Pierre as John Stewart has been met with widespread excitement online, especially given his physicality and the depth he brings to his roles. Often depicted as stoic but deeply principled, Stewart requires an actor who can convey strength and vulnerability. Pierre’s previous roles, especially his recent ventures like playing Malcolm X in “Genius: MLK/X,” have shown his capacity for portraying characters with historical weight, making him an apt choice for a superhero who carries the legacy of representation in superhero narratives.
‘Genius: MLK/X’
Moreover, “Lanterns” isn’t just about superhero action; it’s a character study wrapped in a cape. The series, spearheaded by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, aims to weave complex narratives around its characters. John Stewart’s inclusion in this narrative isn’t just about diversity in casting but about exploring themes of duty, justice, and identity through his eyes. Pierre’s casting adds a layer of authenticity to this exploration, given his background and the gravitas he brings to his performances.
The collaboration between Pierre and Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, sets the stage for a dynamic duo that could redefine buddy cop dynamics within the superhero genre. Their chemistry, combined with the series’ premise, hints at a narrative where action meets introspection, where the battles fought are as much internal as they are cosmic.
As “Lanterns” prepares to launch, the spotlight on Pierre only intensifies. His role as John Stewart isn’t just a career highlight but a testament to his rising star status in Hollywood. For fans of DC and newcomers alike, Pierre’s portrayal promises to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved character, potentially making John Stewart as iconic in live-action as he has been in comics and animation.