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Anne Hathaway as Catwoman: Can she pull it off?
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When news broke on Wednesday morning that Anne Hathaway was cast as Catwoman in "The Dark Knight Rises," Christopher Nolan's latest "Batman" movie, the internet erupted in protest -- as it does any time any living, breathing human is cast in a comic book role.After initial skepticism about Heath Ledger's Joker role proved to be totally wrong, we're inclined to trust Nolan's judgment. Then again, he's also the guy who cast Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes in "Batman Begins," and she was almost universally panned.
So what of Hathaway as Catwoman? Nolan puts his trust in her, and she's certainly proven that she can pull off a diverse array of roles. But will this one be the one that'll finally help her shed the saccharine, quirky "Princess Diaries" image that she just can't seem to shake - even after copious nudity in "Love And Other Drugs"?
We're going to bet on Hathaway being able to surprise us -- if she can carry the feline sexuality required for the role. Overt sexuality has proven not to work for Catwoman - Halle Berry's bondage-chic version fell completely flat in 2004, so Hathaway's more subtle brand will likely go over better. But can she outshine Michelle Pfeiffer's 1992 "Batman Returns" Catwoman?
We want to know what you thinK! Weigh in below in the comments and tell us whether you think Hathaway's got what it takes -- or who you wish had been cast instead.
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Julie Newmar was the best catwoman.
DO. NOT. WANT.
I'm slightly disappointed. Anne Hathaway is a terrific actress, but her casting comes across as more of a stunt casting. The iconic Catwoman suffered a hit when Halle Berry attempted the role that Michelle Pfeiffer had beautifully established. Anne has incredible talent, but not the right fit. Catwoman needs a more subtle, almost timid sexuality. I believe Amanda Seyfried would've been a perfect salute to the Pfeiffer's Catwoman, while also putting her own spin on the character. Christopher Nolan, though I disagree now, I look forward to what you have in store.
I'm slightly disappointed. Anne Hathaway is a terrific actress, but her casting comes across as more of a stunt casting. The iconic Catwoman suffered a hit when Halle Berry attempted the role that Michelle Pfeiffer had beautifully established. Anne has incredible talent, but not the right fit. Catwoman needs a more subtle, almost timid sexuality. I believe Amanda Seyfried would've been a perfect salute to the Pfeiffer's Catwoman, while also putting her own spin on the character. Christopher Nolan, though I disagree now, I look forward to what you have in store.
They should write in a part for Michelle Pfeiffer. That role was so extraorinary, and so terrific she needs to be honored in the next film.
First of all why is Halle Berry's stinker in there the film is Catwoman in name only it has nothing what so ever to do with The Batman universe it was such a **** and so far removed from what it was supposed to be.
i think DC should have sued the film makers to get them to change the name of that horrendous movie so as not to associate their character with that thing.
Honestly i don't know why it's not still winning worst picture at the razzies even all these years later it was that bad.
As to Anne Hathaway I think she's a good actress and will do it justice if the script is right. In that it honours the comic character and doesn't involve her being a timid little secretary and most of all being brought back to life by freaking magical cats and given near super powers as in the stupid scenes in Batman Returns or worse yet the Hallie Berry abomination.
With that smile, Anne should have been the female Joker instead of Catwoman. She is quick to flash her ***** but she doesn't really have a sexy voice. Actually her voice is rather LOUD and obnoxious.
I am a fan of Anne Hathaway's very dark & complex acting work in "Rachel Getting Married"- she revealed she can portray an edgy,smart, complex character. With LAOD, she showed she can play a very hostile and vicious character.
Two things made me realize that Hathaway is one of the most gifted actresses of her generation ( and a keeper) : her wonderful critically-acclaimed performance in Shakespeare in the Park's "Twelfth Night" and she brilliantly portrayed different characters on SNL - incredible impressions of Judy Garland , Katie Holmes, redneck drunk , and Cate Middleton .
That takes range, talent, and true versatility to pull-off these performances.
People are insisting on basing their opinion of Hathaway based on Pfeiffer and Berry and Newmar. Read the Catwoman comic books - not the old ones, but the ones coming out today. Hathaway fits the current version of the character to a T.
"Batman's creator, Bob Kane, was a great movie fan and his love for film provided the impetus for several Batman characters, among them, Catwoman. She was partially inspired by 1930's film star Jean Harlow who at Kane's then-early and 'impressionable age... seemed to personify feminine pulchritude at its most sensuous...' "
Ingredients a FILM performer needs for Catwoman, regardless of what "new comics" say, this character has been a part of pop culture since the 60s - and for a film?
They need these ingredients:
Michelle Pfeieffer: Sexy, Pouty, Larger than life.
Angelina Jolie: Sexy, Pouty, Larger than life.
Anne Castaway: NO WAY lil' missy has the acting chops- um, WTF? Anyone see her attempt at "Larger than life" in Alice in Wonderland? The ONE SINGLE most ridiculous character in the Burton universe and that's against ANIMATIONS... go back to your Prada and your Devil, sweetie - you are WAY out of your league. You can write about it in your Princess Diaries! PLEASE.
Jolie for the try but no one will EVER top Michelle's performance, she stole the whole freakin movie against DeVito, Walken, AND Keaton.... poor little Anne, bless her heart.