Imagine a world where Catwoman, one of DC’s most iconic characters, was set to star in her own animated film—only for it to vanish just three months into production. That’s exactly what happened, and it’s a story that’s as intriguing as it is frustrating for fans. Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the plug on a kid-focused Catwoman movie for HBO Max in 2022, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes glimpses that have only recently resurfaced. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this cancellation a missed opportunity, or a necessary sacrifice in the ever-shifting landscape of streaming content? Let’s dive in.
Catwoman’s journey in entertainment has been nothing short of prolific. From her live-action portrayals dating back to the ’60s to her standalone 2004 film and countless animated adaptations, she’s a character who’s always managed to claw her way into the spotlight. Yet, this canceled project promised something unique: a prequel focusing on Catwoman’s childhood, crafted by Swaybox Studios in their signature style—a mesmerizing blend of puppetry, CGI, and live-action. This approach could have positioned the film as DC’s answer to the groundbreaking Spider-Verse franchise. And this is the part most people miss: The project wasn’t just a standalone idea; it was already in production when it got axed.
The revelation came to light in January 2025, thanks to eagle-eyed fans and DC Film News, who noticed that images on Swaybox’s website might actually be from the scrapped Catwoman film rather than their upcoming project, Dynamic Duo. In a 2025 interview, Swaybox’s Arthur Mintz confirmed the studio had been greenlit for a Catwoman feature film for HBO Max, only to have it canceled three months in after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav decided to scale back streaming content. Mintz revealed, “He canceled 42 projects, including ours.” Ouch. But here’s the twist: The Batman director Matt Reeves saw the footage, loved it, and pitched a sizzle reel to Zaslav, who reportedly called it “incredible” and urged its release—but with a catch: it needed to be part of a “larger story.”
This raises a fascinating question: Why wasn’t Catwoman’s story deemed “large” enough on its own? After all, the character’s popularity and her central role in Batman’s world make her a natural fit for a solo project. Swaybox’s prequel approach, focusing on her childhood, mirrors the strategy now being used for Dynamic Duo, which explores the friendship between Dick Grayson and Jason Todd as youths. Could this cancellation reflect a broader hesitation to give female characters their own spotlight, or was it simply a casualty of corporate cost-cutting? It’s a debate worth having.
Adding to the intrigue, there are currently no upcoming projects featuring Catwoman, despite Zoë Kravitz’s acclaimed portrayal in The Batman. Rumors suggest she may not return for The Batman Part II, and while The Brave and the Bold promises to expand the Batman universe, Selina Kyle’s presence remains uncertain. This leaves fans wondering: What could have been if Swaybox’s Catwoman film had seen the light of day?
But here’s the real question: Would you have wanted to see Swaybox’s Catwoman film, or are you more excited for Dynamic Duo? And do you think the cancellation was a justified business decision, or a missed opportunity to showcase a beloved character in a fresh, innovative way? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion that’s sure to spark some fiery opinions!