Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Halle Berry opens up about guilt over Catwoman failure: ‘For all these years, I’ve carried the weight of that’

‘Whatever success it had or didn’t have somehow seemed like it was all my fault,’ said the actor

Louis Chilton
Tuesday 16 November 2021 05:12 EST
Comments
Halle Berry says she's 'carried the weight' of Catwoman failure 'for all these years'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Halle Berry has opened up about feeling guilty over the failure of the widely panned superhero film Catwoman.

In the 2004 film, Berry played Patience Phillips, a woman who develops cat-like powers. Based on the popular DC Comics antagonist, Catwoman was mauled by critics, and is frequently cited among the worst blockbusters ever made.

Reflecting on the film on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Berry said: “I wasn’t [diasppointed] but it seemed like the people were. I worked really hard to be a catwoman. I learned [Brazilian martial art] capoeira. I did the work.”

She added: “The disheartening part was: I didn’t direct it, I didn’t produce it, nor did I write it. I was just the actress in it. But for all these years, I have carried the weight of that film. And whatever success it had or didn’t have somehow seemed like it was all my fault. But it really wasn’t my fault. But I’ve been carrying it.”

In recent years, Catwoman has been subject to critical reappraisals, with some people celebrating its camp value and Berry’s performance.

Last month, Berry tweeted: “I’m seeing all the Catwoman love, everybody. Where were you guys 17 years ago.”

Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel, the actor said she would be willing to reprise the role of catwoman in a hypothetical future film, but only “if I can direct it”.

In the UK, Catwoman can be streamed on Virgin TV Go.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in