From Uma Thurman to Maggie Gyllenhaal, they plagued the city with darkness or healed it with persistence. They are the women of Gotham.
The third and final film of Christopher Nolan’s Batman triology, “The Dark Knight Rises”, hit theaters last night. From its humble and somewhat silly beginnings, to its latest dark and gritty manifestations that have come through the box office, we have seen numerous actresses portray heroes and villains we love so much in the Batman films.
This Friday, Anne Hathaway slips into the iconic catsuit of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. This third and final Christopher Nolan-directed Batman film is the latest of many movies about the caped crusader, going back to the 1966 adaptation of the ’60s TV series. We couldn’t resist looking back at some of our favorite female performances from the history of Batman films. Some are creepy supervillianesses while others are Bruce Wayne’s love interests (or both!), but they all have one thing in common: they hold their own alongside Batman. Check out the girls of Gotham now!
Lee Meriwether as Catwoman
In the 1966 version of Batman, Lee Meriwether plays Bruce Wayne aka Batman’s love interest Catwoman, who disguises herself as a Soviet journalist, Miss Kitka.
Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale
In 1989, Kim Basinger played Vicki Vale, the female lead in Batman. Vicki comes to Gotham City to do a story on Batman, but she soon becomes romantically involved with Bruce Wayne, unaware that he and Batman are one and the same person. Chaos obviously ensues.
Michele Pfeiffer as Catwoman
In the second of Tim Burton’s Batman films, 1992’sBatman Returns, Michele Pfeiffer makes a killer Catwoman. She was once a quiet and shy secretary, but the mayor of Gotham City tries to end her life when she knows too much. She’s resuscitated by a ton of cats and is transformed into Catwoman.
Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian
Kidman described her role as Dr. Chase Meridian inBatman Forever (1995) as a “criminal psychologist who dresses like Jessica Rabbit.” Her character falls in love with both Batman and Bruce Wayne.
Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar as Sugar and Spice
In Batman Forever, Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar play Two-Face’s good and bad assistants Sugar and Spice. They’re as awesome as their costumes appear.
Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy
After she has an accident with some serious toxic chemicals, Dr. Pamela Isley is transformed into the beautiful and seductive Poison Ivy. She absolutely steals the show in 1997’s Batman & Robin.
Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl
Alicia Silverstone is the only actress to ever play Batgirl on the silver screen in Batman & Robin. Batgirl is the niece of Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler and Batman’s loyal assistant. Despite how cute they look together, Batgirl and Robin never get it on romantically (unfortunately).
Vivica A. Fox as Ms. B. Haven
Vivica A. Fox plays Ms. B. Haven, one of villainous Mr. Freeze’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) icy assistants in Batman & Robin.
Halle Berry as Catwoman
It’s not part of the Batman series, but Halle Berrylooks smoking hot in this version of Catwoman. The 2004 film was inspired by the DC Comics character of the same name.
Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes
In 2005’s Batman Begins, Katie Holmes plays Rachel Dawes, Bruce’s childhood friend who serves as Gotham City’s assistant district attorney.
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes
In The Dark Knight (2008), Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes from Katie Holmes.
Anne Hathaway as Catwoman
Anne Hathaway landed the role of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, out this Friday. We are confident that she will totally rock the catsuit.
Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate
In Friday’s The Dark Knight Rises, Marion Cotillard plays Miranda Tate. This new character to the Batman franchise is a member of the Wayne Enterprises executive board and a supportive friend to Bruce Wayne.
More TrèsSugar Links:
A History of LGBT Characters and Themes in Comics
Photo credit: Flickr / Skiller Family World