The Batman’s Catwoman Detail Finally Explains Gotham’s Biggest Mystery

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Batman

A small Catwoman detail seen in The Batman helps explain one of Gotham City’s biggest mysteries about the city’s population and why they continue to live there. The Batman of the comics has spoken to the resilience and determination of Gothamites who keep coming back to the city, regardless of which villain might have recently taken over. However, the real truth in The Batman is much simpler and has actually been a joke explanation from fans for years.

Thanks to the plans and clues left by the Riddler (Paul Dano), Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne uncovers a major Gotham conspiracy in The Batman (directed by Matt Reeves). Eventually, the trail leads the Batman to the Iceberg Lounge where he crosses paths with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz). Also known as the future Catwoman, Bruce follows Selina back to her apartment to learn more about her and her connection to the investigation. Following their first face-to-face alteration and the kidnapping of Selina’s girlfriend Annika, Batman enters Catwoman’s apartment where the two of them agree to work together.

It’s here where Bruce notices one of Selina’s overdue bills (which is how he learned her name). However, the bill in particular is for Selina’s rent. Remarkably, the bill claims that Catwoman’s monthly rent is only 492 dollars and some change. While a rent that low in such a big city is typically unheard of, it makes perfect sense seeing as how Gotham is one of the most crime-ridden cities in the DC Universe with an incredibly high mortality rate. The rent being so incredibly cheap is a great reason why people are still living in Gotham despite all the danger.

In an alternate universe, Gotham could likely have been much better had Thomas and Martha Wayne lived to ensure that their billion-dollar Gotham Renewal Fund was actually used to help restore the city as intended. Instead, however, the city’s crime bosses and corrupt officials misappropriated it for whatever they saw fit year after year. Ultimately, the Waynes were murdered and their legacy was tainted, leaving their son Bruce to forge a new legacy as the Batman, defending the people of Gotham (low rent and all).

While it’s a small detail, Catwoman’s bills and low monthly rent are just a small part of what makes Matt Reeves’ Gotham so dynamic and multi-dimensional. As The Batman franchise continues with future sequels and spin-off series, it will be interesting to see more of the city and its role as this new mythos is being created. At any rate, 492 dollars for Selina Kyle’s city apartment seems to be quite the deal (with plenty of room for multiple roaming cats).