Halle Berry has long been an open book about most corners of her career and life at large.
And that includes the catastrophic response to and performance of 2004’s ‘Catwoman.’
Berry’s casting marked a historic moment in Hollywood, for it saw her become the first Black woman to lead a major superhero movie.
Additionally, with the role following on from her Oscar win, the flick looked poised to elevate the superstar to even higher heights.
However, an avalanche of bad press, soured sentiment from comic book loyalists, and what many pointed to as a combination of racism and sexism sunk the film. Indeed, there was no major meow at the box office, rather hissing from all corners.
Directed by Pitof, ‘Catwoman’ opened to a little over $16 million at the box office…on a $100 million budget.
Putting on a brave face, Berry surprised the world when she showed up at the Razzies to accept the armful of awards the film had “earned” – including Worst Picture and Worst Actress. She gave a rousing speech hilariously leaning into the melee.
Now, in a reflective piece spotlighting the 20th anniversary of ‘Catwoman’s release and its cult success on streaming services, the actress is waxing candid about her layered take on what transpired and the perseverance that guided her through it.
Full story below…
Speaking with EW, Berry said:
“I felt like it was Halle Berry’s failure, but I didn’t make it alone, All these years, I’ve absolutely carried it.”
In a frank address, the 57-yea-old said of the film’s plot:
“I always thought the idea of Catwoman saving women from a face cream felt a bit soft. All the other superheroes save the world; they don’t just save women from cracked faces. I always knew that was a soft superhero plight, but at that time in my career, I didn’t have the agency I have today or belief that I could challenge that, so I went along with it.”
“Growing up as a Black woman, that’s two strikes against you. There’s an innate resilience. I hated that it got all put on me, and I hate that, to this day, it’s my failure. I know I can carry it. I still have a career 20 years later. It’s just part of my story. That’s okay, and I’ve carried other failures and successes. People have opinions, and sometimes they’re louder than others. You just have to keep moving.”
Looking at the years that followed, Berry concluded:
“While it didn’t happen at the time for Catwoman, I was so thrilled it happened for Wonder Woman and Gal Gadot because the goal was to move women into that space. I don’t know if it had an impact, but I believe it was important to try, and it was important to make the movie and push boundaries. Even if it failed and didn’t turn out the way we hoped, we must continue to take chances. We have to try.”
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Sorry but you can’t speak for the dark skinned women. You are very light skinned like Beyonce.
Catwoman didn’t fail because of a “black woman.” It failed because it was watered-down trash.
Exactly. I’m so sick of people playing race when in reality, it wasn’t part of the issue at all. Script was awful.
Y’all are idiots who clearly weren’t old enough to comprehend when that film was released. She definitely did suffer from racism during that time with many upset that they didn’t choose another white women to take over Michelle Pfiefers shoes instead of a black Oscar Winning actress.
Agreed black folks stay thinking everything is about skin color. Nobody cares honestly.
She ATE, Honey. Go head then Miss Berry. That was hilarious. Black girl magic. 💅🏿
The movie bombed so bad. Black girl magic my ass. Even Ari’s The Boy is mine video has more views.
Critics never seem to be happy with her lead roles, but I think she’s great.
It wasn’t racism lol. She was best part of movie. The writing, story, and everything else was bad.
Even still I liked it cuz of her.
That was such a hilariously beautiful speech! Love her always so gracious and so talented. Everybody has a bad project or 2.
Get a life. 🤡
Well that fell flat try again tramp!
This is how you talk about your experience with racism in Hollywood. Just very matter of fact. She isn’t victimizing herself, but talking about what she experienced through all of that. This is why Halle Berry will always be Hollywood royalty. She has more talent, class and perspective than any of the new girls.