Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The 2004 movie,Catwomanwas originally planned as a spin-off from Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic role as Selina Kyle inBatman Returnsbut evolved into a new tale rather introduced the fans to a whole new character, after Pfeiffer’s departure.
Halle Berry portrayed Patience Phillips, a 9 to 5 office worker killed by her employer after uncovering a corporate secret. Resurrected by cats, Patience transforms into Catwoman, seeking vengeance against Sharon Stone’s Laurel Hedare.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Contract with Catwoman Forced Writers to Chart a New Route
The story ofCatwomanbegan in 1992 afterBatman Returnswhen producer Denise Di Novi wanted to create a spinoff starringMichelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle. However, the project encountered significant delays and complications during development. All because, the plans for Batman movies seemed uncertain, and thus, Michelle Pfeiffer left the franchise behind.
“Once she signs up, we’ll throw it in the bin”: A Disgusting Halle Berry Betrayal Made Matthew Vaughn Quit X-Men: The Last Stand
As Pfeiffer was contractually tied to the character, thus, instead of focusing on Selina Kyle alone, whenCatwomanhappened in 2004, it turned into theorigin storyof a completely new character bringing inHalle Berry. Speaking toInverse, screenwriter John Rogers explained,
The execs were like, “We can’t make it Selina Kyle because there’s a contract issue. So if it’s not Michelle Pfeiffer, who we can’t afford anymore, it can’t be Selina Kyle.” That’s why it’s Patience Phillips.
Further adding to how the project changed its course over time, he said,
At first, the axis of the story was the domestic labor of housewives. Then, we turned it into a bioweapon thing. Then, I made Patience a vet so it would make sense that she’s working with animals. Later, she winds up being a graphic designer. It winds up being about evil makeup.
A new backstory was crafted for the characterfrom scratch entirely, diverging from DC Comics canon. Challenges in the script centered on defining her superpowers and their origin. Although production received a significant push with the casting of Halle Berry as Catwoman, it also intensified expectations and the pressure to deliver a compelling story, which in the end it couldn’t deliver.
Why Was Halle Berry’s 2004 Catwoman Movie So Bad?
The 2004 movie is widely regarded as the worst DC film of all time. This film defies all expectations for a comic book adaptation, a superhero movie, or a story with a female protagonist. It goes against the very essence of the character, appearing cheap and amateurish with a poorly written script and subpar CGI.
“I have fought as a black woman my whole life”: Halle Berry Hates the Fact That She Was Solely Blamed For Her Worst Superhero Movie That Lost $16 Million at Box Office
Despite featuring Catwoman, an iconic female superhero, the movie dismisses its comic-book origins and offers a lackluster alternative storyline.
According toBox Office Mojo,the film grossed $82.4 million globally against a $100 million budget, while currently maintaining an 8% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Speaking about all that went on after the film’s release, Berry in a chat withEntertainment Weekly, revealed,
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. I didn’t want to be casual about it, but I went and collected that Razzie, laughed at myself, and kept it moving. 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.
Catwoman is available on Apple TV for rent.
Sampurna Banerjee
Articles Published :1803
Sampurna Banerjee is an Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, and she’s written over 1,700 articles! She covers everything from celebrity news to the latest superhero buzz, streaming shows, and fan theories. If it’s trending in pop culture, Sampurna’s probably already on it.When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her rewatching The Office (again), getting into debates about Marvel’s timeline, or diving deep into Christopher Nolan movies for the hundredth time. She’s not just writing about entertainment, she’s living it.
More from Sampurna Banerjee
Severance Season 3: Why Isn’t Ben Stiller Directing? Details Inside
Why Is Ozzy Osbourne’s Documentary Release Cancelled Hours Before Airing?
Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, and James Gandolfini Starred in $30M Box-Office Bomb – Watch or Pass?
Recommended
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10 Episode 9: Release Date and What to Expect
NYT Strands August 17, 2025 Hints and Solution
You Can Finally Watch Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Blockbuster at Home: Digital Release Date Revealed - Report
NYT Pips Solution for June 18, 2025
‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Ranked by Net Worth: Who’s the Richest GOT Actor?
Every Makoto Shinkai Main Character Ranked From Worst to Best
Halle BerryMichelle Pfeiffer
