Before Michelle Pfeiffer, Another Star Was Cast as Catwoman—What Happened?

When Batman Returns hit theaters in 1992, Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, became one of the most iconic performances in superhero film history. Her mix of sultry charm, vulnerability, and raw intensity brought new depth to the character, making her a standout in Tim Burton’s gothic vision of Gotham City. However, Pfeiffer’s casting as Catwoman was not as straightforward as it might seem. The role was initially offered to another A-list actress, and Pfeiffer had to fight for the part that would become one of her most legendary performances.

Annette Bening Was First in Line

Initially, Tim Burton and Warner Bros. had cast Annette Bening as Selina Kyle. At the time, Bening was an acclaimed actress known for her roles in The Grifters and Bugsy. She had reportedly signed on for the role, and pre-production was moving forward with her as Catwoman. However, Bening became pregnant with her first child with husband Warren Beatty and had to step away from the project. This unexpected change sent the casting team scrambling to find a replacement.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s Determination

Michelle Pfeiffer was already an established star by the early 1990s, having delivered critically acclaimed performances in Scarface, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Fabulous Baker Boys. She had expressed interest in playing Catwoman even before Bening was cast, but at the time, the role had already been taken.

When Bening dropped out, Pfeiffer aggressively pursued the role, knowing it was a rare opportunity to take on such an intriguing character. In interviews, Pfeiffer later admitted that she was a huge fan of the Catwoman character growing up and had long wanted to play her. She met with Tim Burton and impressed him with her enthusiasm and understanding of the character’s complexities. Burton, who had worked with Pfeiffer before on The Witches of Eastwick, was reportedly hesitant at first but ultimately felt that she was the perfect choice.

The Intense Training and Suit Challenges

Once she landed the role, Pfeiffer fully committed to the physically demanding aspects of playing Catwoman. She trained in kickboxing and whip-handling for months, determined to make her fight scenes look as authentic as possible. She even performed many of her own stunts, including the famous scene where she cracks a whip multiple times in a department store. She nailed it in one take.

One of the biggest challenges Pfeiffer faced was wearing the iconic black latex Catwoman suit. The costume, designed by Mary Vogt, was notoriously difficult to wear, requiring Pfeiffer to be vacuum-sealed into it before shooting each day. She could only stay in the suit for short periods due to how tight and restrictive it was. In a later interview, Pfeiffer described it as “the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever worn in my life.” Despite the physical difficulties, her performance made the discomfort worth it, as her Catwoman became one of the most beloved and celebrated portrayals in film history.

A Legendary Performance That Almost Never Happened

Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle was a revelation. Her transformation from a timid secretary to the confident and dangerous Catwoman captivated audiences. The chemistry between her and Michael Keaton’s Batman added another layer to the film’s dark romance, while her dynamic with Danny DeVito’s Penguin made for some of Batman Returns’ most memorable moments.

Looking back, it is fascinating to think that one of the most celebrated superhero performances nearly went to another actress. Pfeiffer’s casting as Catwoman was a mix of timing, determination, and undeniable talent. More than 30 years later, her portrayal remains a benchmark for the character, influencing later versions played by Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Zoë Kravitz, and others.

Had things gone differently, Batman Returns might have had an entirely different Selina Kyle. But for many fans, it is hard to imagine anyone else embodying the role quite like Michelle Pfeiffer did.