Photo: Courtesy of Gawker

Move over Batmen of the world, there’s a new breed of dark avengers taking over the big screen: Catwomen. Gawker leaked unofficial photos of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman in the upcoming action film, The Dark Knight Rises (2012). The character of Catwoman was originally created as a supervillain in the DC Comics’ Batman franchise, but has since transformed into somewhat of a stealthy helper to Batman. Part evil-doer, part anti-hero, Catwoman is one love interest Batman can’t seem to keep his eyes off. And who can blame him. The ‘60s reeled in feline beauties Julie Newmar—the original Catwoman of Batman: The Brave and the Bold—and Eartha Kitt (who later replaced Newmar at the end of the series) popularizing the kitten role. When Batman: The Movie released in 1966, Newmar left pre-production in pursuit of other interests and was replaced by Lee Meriwether. Since then, a slew of Batman movies hit the big screens and the choice in leading ladies were more beautiful than the last. Here’s to the Catwoman of our time:

Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Julie Newmar, Batman television series, 1966-1968

Photo: Courtesy of mptvimages.com

Eartha Kitt, Batman television series, 1966-1968

Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Lee Meriwether, Batman: The Movie, 1966

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers

Michelle Pfeiffer, Batman Returns, 1992

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers

Halle Berry, Catwoman, 2004

Photo: Retna

Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises, 2012