Halle Berry Reflects on Racial Aspect of ‘Catwoman’ Backlash: “I Didn’t Make It Alone”

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.”

As for the thunderous backlash, Berry wasn’t thrilled:

“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.”

Continuing, she added:

“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.”

Well said!

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[Photo Credit: Warner]