Fans were excited to see the actress reprise her role, but unfortunately, the project never came to fruition.
In the annals of cinematic history, the evolution of Catwoman’s character throughout the various adaptations of Gotham City’s stories is a topic worth exploring. Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal in “Batman Returns” remains one of the most distinguished, leaving an indelible mark on the audiences’ perception of the iconic character.
Pfeiffer’s charismatic interpretation of Catwoman, combined with the overall success of “Batman Returns,” sparked discussions of a spin-off movie centered around her character. Yet, the mercurial nature of Hollywood quashed this plan, as audience reactions to “Batman Forever” affected the anticipated trajectory.
Interestingly, the character Pfeiffer would end up immortalizing was not initially intended for her. The intervention of Michael Keaton, who played Batman, led to her casting, a decision that retrospectively appears flawless. Pfeiffer’s embodiment of Selina Kyle, Catwoman’s alter ego, was so compelling that it was difficult to imagine anyone else in the role.
“Batman Returns” received a mixed response, but Pfeiffer’s performance stood as a universally applauded element. Her compelling interpretation transcended the sensual allure of “Catwoman,” as she introduced a blend of intellectual depth, emotional complexity, and humanity to the character. This enhanced Catwoman’s relationship with Batman, making their chemistry palpable on screen – an effect likely influenced by the real-life dating history between Pfeiffer and Keaton.
To deliver an unforgettable portrayal, Pfeiffer immersed herself fully in preparation for the role. Partnering with fight choreographer and movement teacher Anthony Delongis, she mastered whip-wielding and performed her own stunts. Her commitment to authenticity even extended to placing a live bird in her mouth for a particular scene.
“Batman Returns,” despite its gothic tone, which some found unpalatable, grossed over $266 million, providing a platform for Pfeiffer’s possible return as Catwoman. However, Pfeiffer’s character was excluded from “Batman Forever” as director Tim Burton and screenwriter Daniel Waters were preoccupied with a standalone Catwoman script.
In an interview with Film Review magazine that year, Waters explained, “What Gotham City is to New York, Oasisburg is to Las Vegas-Los Angeles-Palm Springs. [It’s a] resort area in the middle of the desert. It’s run by superheroes, and the movie has great fun at making fun at the whole male superhero mythos. Then they end up being not very good at all deep down, and she’s got to go back to that whole Catwoman thing”.
According to Den of Geek, a draft screenplay was submitted to Warner Bros. in 1995, situating an amnesic Selina Kyle in Oasisburg, a parody of superhero-laden cities. The script delivery coincided with “Batman Forever’s” theatrical release. Despite widespread criticism, the film drew a larger audience than its predecessor, accumulating $336 million in box office receipts.
This unforeseen success led Warner Bros. to dismiss Burton’s proposed Catwoman film, causing a withdrawal of support for the project. However, it did return to the big screen in a way that failed to meet expectations. The 2004 iteration, starring Halle Berry, was harshly criticized, and the film tanked at the box office, winning five Razzie awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress.
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” provided a more successful comeback for “Catwoman,” with Anne Hathaway slipping into the catsuit. While commendable, Hathaway’s “Catwoman” lacked the emotional warmth of Pfeiffer’s version, possibly due to the divergent directorial styles.
With Zoe Kravitz in “The Batman,” Catwoman’s sensuality was revived. Kravitz’s interpretation, aligned with writer-director Matt Reeves’ vision, offered a deeper exploration of Catwoman’s backstory and her relationship with Batman, taking the character to unprecedented heights.
Over the years, “Catwoman” has undergone a remarkable cinematic evolution, enriched by the distinct performances of Pfeiffer, Berry, Hathaway, and Kravitz. Despite the tumultuous journey, Catwoman remains a beloved and iconic character in the universe of Gotham City.