Halle Berry reflects on ‘Catwoman’ and its unexpected legacy
A look back at a controversial film
Halle Berry recently appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, where she took a moment to reflect on the 20th anniversary of “Catwoman”, a film that has long been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike. Despite its initial reception, Berry expressed a surprising fondness for the movie, which was widely panned upon its release in 2004.
“I loved it,” Berry said, addressing the harsh criticism the film received. “It got panned. The critics said it sucked balls. And balls aren’t that bad.”
A new generation discovers ‘Catwoman’
Berry shared that the film has found a new audience online, particularly among younger viewers who have embraced it in a way that critics did not.
“What I’m happy about is that the children have found it now on the internet, and they love it,” Berry added. “So, it’s so vindicating. Because now they’re saying it’s cool and what the heck was everybody’s problem with it.”
The possibility of a return
When asked if she would ever consider reprising her role as Catwoman, Berry revealed that she would be open to the idea, but with a significant caveat: she would want to direct the film herself. Berry made her directorial debut with the Netflix drama “Bruised”, and she has expressed interest in reimagining “Catwoman” with her newfound experience.
“I would love to direct ‘Catwoman,’” Berry said. “If I can get ahold of that now, knowing what I know, having had this experience [on ‘Bruised’], and reimagine that world the way I reimagined this story.”
Reimagining the story
Berry has long been vocal about her desire to rework the narrative of “Catwoman”. She envisions a version where the stakes are higher and the story is more inclusive.
“I would have Catwoman saving the world like most male superheroes do, and not just saving women from their faces cracking off,” Berry explained, referencing the original plot that involved a corrupt beauty cosmetics company. “I would make the stakes a lot higher, and I think make it more inclusive of both men and women.”
The burden of backlash
In a recent interview, Berry opened up about the personal toll the film’s negative reception took on her. She felt that the backlash was unfairly directed solely at her, despite the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
“I felt like it was Halle Berry’s failure, but I didn’t make it alone,” Berry said. “All these years, I’ve absolutely carried it.”
Berry also touched on the broader challenges she has faced as a Black woman in Hollywood, noting that the criticism of “Catwoman” was just one of many obstacles she has had to overcome.
“I didn’t love [the backlash],” Berry admitted. “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…It didn’t derail me because I’ve fought as a Black woman my whole life. 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.”
Watch the full interview
For those interested in hearing more from Berry, you can watch her full interview on “The Tonight Show” here.
Final thoughts
Berry’s reflections on “Catwoman” offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of Hollywood and the enduring impact of a film that was initially dismissed. Her willingness to revisit and potentially reimagine the character speaks to her resilience and creative vision. Whether or not a new “Catwoman” film comes to fruition, Berry’s insights remind us of the ever-evolving nature of cinema and the power of perspective in shaping our understanding of art and entertainment.