Halle Berry, a trailblazer in Hollywood, has fought hard for recognition and respect throughout her career, and she’s not done yet. Despite her efforts and successes, Berry is grappling with a lingering frustration: being blamed for the flop of her 2004 superhero film, Catwoman. The movie’s disastrous $16 million loss at the box office has been unfairly pinned on her, overshadowing her performance and the film’s broader issues.
As a Black woman in a challenging industry, Berry’s struggle underscores the broader issues of unfair scrutiny faced by actors. Her critique highlights the need for more nuanced discussions about accountability and representation in Hollywood, pushing for a shift in how failure and success are attributed.
Halle Berry Reflects on Her Catwoman Role and Career Comeback
20 years ago, Halle Berry sunk her claws into the role of Catwoman. Unfortunately, the feline flick wasn’t exactly a box office darling. Produced with a budget of $100 million, the 2004 movie only made $82 million.
In a recent oral history interview with Entertainment Weekly (via Geo TV) celebrating the movie’s anniversary, Berry opened up about the backlash she faced when the film lost $16 million. Proving she has the purr-severance of a superhero, the 57-year-old actress opened up:
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.
Catwoman may have clawed its way to a box office loss of $16 million, but Berry isn’t letting it snag her nine lives. However, the fact that she was solely blamed for the worst superhero film was harsh. The Academy Award winner spoke candidly about how it impacted her in the oral history interview:
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.
Two decades later, Halle Berry’s career roars on. Catwoman may be a footnote in her filmography, but it’s a reminder that even superheroes face setbacks. The true test lies in how you rise after the fall. And Halle Berry? She did damn well, despite the unfair criticism and fan backlash.
Fans React to the Criticism the Superhero Film Catwoman Faced
While The Call actress’ filmography reigns with iconic roles, her turn as Catwoman did face nine lives of notoriety. When the film failed at the box office, fans were disappointed, sparking a social media exchange. One user, surprised by the film’s bad rap, tweeted their childhood love for Catwoman. But Berry retweeted with a purr-fectly sassy two-word reply: “Imagine mine.”
imagine mine 😂 https://t.co/7ByVZKB9Iq
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) October 10, 2022
When I first seen this when I was a child I really thought this was the best movie in the world so imagine my shock when I grew up and found out everyone hated it??? https://t.co/lm4AOPFwxa
— m ✰ (@mar3uss) October 10, 2022
The worst cat woman.
— Pussy & Waffles (@Misshoneynut69) October 11, 2022
They hated it for the same reason they hate the Little Mermaid now 🫣 yall know that
— Grippa ✨ (@jvicegodd__) October 10, 2022
Sameeeeee 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— KT✨ (@isthat_kt) October 10, 2022
BRO FUCKING SAME
— $avyDaPooch (@jsavy4) October 11, 2022
I feel like back in the day, we were more able to enjoy stuff away from the “peer pressure of the internet” that subconsciously makes us feel that it’s “cool to love” or “cool to hate” something instead of forming our own opinion on it.
— Rino (@RinoTheBouncer) October 10, 2022
Written by John Rogers, John Brancato, and Michael Ferris, Catwoman is an American action/thriller superhero film loosely based on the DC Comics character Catwoman. As a major box-office flop, the film was considered one of the worst superhero movies of all time.
Catwoman is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
