Today's announcement that Anne Hathaway will join "The Dark Knight Rises" cast as Selina Kyle (a.k.a. Catwoman) ends years of speculation regarding a potential return for the feline-friendly Batman character, but as any fans worth their capes and cowls know, the "Devil Wears Prada" actress isn't the first to bring the character to life on the big (or small) screen.
Whether it's Julie Newmar (pictured above) or Eartha Kitt in the 1960s "Batman" television series, Lee Meriwether in the live-action film based on the series, or Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1992 film "Batman Returns," Selina Kyle has always been a fan-favorite foil for The Dark Knight. However, as anyone who's seen 2004's "Catwoman" movie can attest, her live-action incarnations haven't always fared well in making the jump from page to screen.

Of course, it's worth pointing out that there's no mention of Catwoman in the official "The Dark Knight Rises" casting announcement — but let's face it, Selina Kyle is Catwoman, even if she's not in costume.

So, will Hathaway have what it takes to make Catwoman — and her fans — purr again? We'll find out when "The Dark Knight rises" hits theaters in 2012.

Until then, you can check out our gallery of Catwoman actresses through the years to get an idea what sort of shoes (claws?) she'll need to slip into for the role...