The Women of DC Comics: Fiction and Real Life

The characters of DC Comics are some of the most recognizable superheroes in the world. The heroines especially are portrayed in TV and film adaptations by actresses that are bringing the iconic characters to life, while also adding their own personal stamp to the portrayal. Just take Margot Robbie's chilling delivery of Harley Quinn. Could you imagine anyone else playing this character? We gathered here some of the most iconic female characters of those worlds. Continue reading to learn more about them and the real women who play them.

Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, is known in the comics as Batman's long-time love interests and was characterized as both a supervillain and an antiheroine. Catwoman is featured in the third installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. In this film she's a burglar who has a love-hate relationship with Bruce Wayne and is played by Anne Hathaway.

Anne Hathaway started her career participating in teen movies before taking on more serious roles in films like Brokeback Mountain, Becoming Jane and Passengers. Her major breakthrough came with the role in musical drama Les Misérables, where she played Fantine and was lauded by the critics for her impeccable performance. She received numerous awards for her work in the film, including Academy Award and Golden Globes award for Best Supporting Actress. She is married to businessman Adam Shulman, with whom she has a son.

Lois Lane proves that you don't have to have superpowers in order to be a superhero. She is a smart, determined, and strong-willed journalist who always finds a way to help Superman in his fight to save the world from ongoing threats while also being his love interest. Lois Lane is also one of the most recognizable female comic book characters in the world. Amy Adams first appeared as Lois Lane in Man of Steel and continued to portray the character in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League.

Amy Adams is well known for being able to do both comedic and dramatic roles with great success. After having her major breakthrough in 2005 with the movie Junebug, Adams went on to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses while also being recognized by the critics and receiving two Golden Globes Awards. Her other acting efforts include The Fighter, American Hustle, and Arrival.

Rachel Dawes doesn't exist in DC comics, and we have to say that is a shame. We meet Rachel in the Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins as Bruce Wayne/Batman's childhood sweetheart and the person he trusts most. She also plays a big part in the film, since Bruce is torn apart between his love for her and his life as a caped crusader. Rachel Dawes is portrayed by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins.

Katie Holmes first captured our hearts as "girl next door" Joey Potter in the cult teen drama Dawson's Creek. Since then, Holmes went on to have roles in thrillers like Teaching Mrs. Tingle and Phone Booth, as well as in comedies like First Daughter and Thank You for Smoking. She also continued with her television work, delivering a critically acclaimed portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in political drama The Kennedys. Holmes was married to actor Tom Cruise from 2006 to 2012 and the couple has a daughter together named Suri. The word is on the street that she is now dating fellow actor Jamie Foxx.