Halle Berry, the Academy Award-winning actor, has revealed her desire to revisit one of her most controversial roles: Catwoman. Berry, who portrayed the feline superhero in the 2004 film, expressed that she feels the film and her performance were treated unfairly by both critics and audiences. As the film celebrates its 20th anniversary, Berry is eager to give the character another chance and believes Catwoman deserves a reappraisal.
“I think she’s way underrated, and I would love to give it another shot,” Berry stated.
At the premiere of her latest film, The Union, Berry spoke candidly about her wish to bring back Catwoman. When asked which of her past characters she’d most like to reprise, she did not hesitate. “I would bring back Catwoman if I really got a chance to,” she said. Berry acknowledged the harsh criticism the film received but believes the character is deserving of more respect. “I think what happened to her the first time around was unfair. I think she’s way underrated, and I would love to give it another shot,” she added.
The 2004 Catwoman film was widely panned by critics, earning a dismal 8% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and failing to recoup its $100 million budget at the box office. The film, which also starred Sharon Stone and Lambert Wilson, was criticized for its plot, special effects, and even Berry’s costume, which was considered too revealing. The backlash was so intense that Berry won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, which she accepted in person, humorously holding her Oscar as she did so.
Despite the negative reception, Berry has maintained a positive outlook. She recently told Entertainment Weekly that the experience of making Catwoman changed her for the better, even if it wasn’t well-received. “I didn’t love [the backlash]. Being a Black woman, I’m used to carrying negativity on my back, fighting, being a fish swimming upstream by myself. I’m used to defying stereotypes and making a way out of no way,” she explained. “A little bad publicity about a movie? I didn’t love it, but it wasn’t going to stop my world or derail me from doing what I love to do.”
Berry has been more vocal recently about how the film impacted her career and how she would approach the role differently today. She has also shared her frustrations about the criticism of her costume, noting that the backlash began even before the film’s release when early images of the outfit were leaked. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film, Berry posted risqué photos on social media, showing appreciation to the fans who continue to support the movie.
In the years since its release, Catwoman has gained a bit of a cult following, with some fans viewing it as a guilty pleasure. Berry herself has warmed up to the possibility of reprising the role, especially as DC continues to explore new avenues in its cinematic universe. While there has been no official word on whether Berry will don the Catwoman suit again, she remains open to the idea.
Berry’s next film, The Union, a Netflix spy action-comedy co-starring Mark Wahlberg, is set to hit theaters on August 16. The film features Wahlberg as a construction worker who gets caught up in the world of espionage, with Berry playing his former high school sweetheart who pulls him into the action.
As Berry continues to enjoy a successful career in Hollywood, her reflections on Catwoman suggest she’s not done with the character just yet. Whether or not a new project materializes, Berry’s passion for the role and her willingness to revisit it demonstrates her resilience and dedication to her craft.
