Michelle Pfeiffer, 67, Once Explained Her Approach to Catwoman — and It’s Exactly Why It’s Still the Greatest of All Time

Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman in Batman Returns remains a masterclass in how to physically and psychologically dismantle a comic book icon. When she stepped into the role of Selina Kyle in 1992, she didn’t just play a villain; she created a cultural touchstone that still defines the character more than three decades later.

Stepping in after Annette Bening departed the project due to pregnancy, Pfeiffer turned a late-stage casting change into one of the most celebrated performances in cinema history.

To prepare for the demanding role, Pfeiffer committed to an intense physical regimen that went far beyond standard Hollywood training. She spent months mastering martial arts, yoga, and gymnastics to ensure she could move with the fluid, predatory grace of a feline. Most impressively, she spent four hours a day practicing with a bullwhip, eventually becoming so proficient that she performed her own stunts on set.

One of the most legendary behind-the-scenes moments involved Pfeiffer whipping the heads off four mannequins in a single, unedited take. Director Tim Burton often marveled at her dedication, noting that she was able to perform complex kickboxing sequences in four-inch heels on sloping roofs better than her stunt doubles. She even trained her voice to reach a specific, fractured register that captured the tragic essence of the 1930s femme fatale.

MICHELLE PFEIFFER talking about her approach to the character of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992).pic.twitter.com/8lJ7DEW0xA

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Reflecting on the role in later years, Pfeiffer has often described the physical toll of the iconic stitched-together patent leather costume. She recalled being vacuum packed into the suit, which was so tight that she frequently found it difficult to breathe, hear, or even use the restroom. Despite the discomfort, she has maintained a deep affection for Selina Kyle, recently stating that she would consider returning to the role if the context was right.

The impact of her performance was immediate, as Batman Returns became a massive box office hit, grossing over $267 million globally. Critics were unanimous in their praise, with many noting that she managed to overcome the film’s darker themes to deliver a fierce, growling performance. As Premiere famously noted, her deadly kitten with a whip brought s** to the normally neutered franchise in a way that had never been seen before.

Even in 2026, Michelle Pfeiffer remains a powerhouse in the industry with several high-profile projects currently keeping her in the spotlight. She is set to star in the highly anticipated Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, which premieres on April 15. In this comedic drama, she plays Shyanne, the former Hooters waitress mother of the titular character, played by Elle Fanning.

The series, created by David E. Kelley, marks the first time Pfeiffer has collaborated professionally with her husband. The show features a stellar ensemble cast including Nicole Kidman and Nick Offerman, and has already generated significant buzz following its SXSW premiere. This shift toward character-driven television proves that Pfeiffer is still finding new ways to surprise her audience.

In addition to her television work, Pfeiffer recently led the Amazon MGM holiday comedy Oh. What. Fun. which was released in late 2025. In the film, she plays Claire Clauster, a family matriarch navigating the chaotic obstacles of planning the perfect Christmas. Starring alongside Felicity Jones and Chloë Grace Moretz, the role showcased her enduring ability to anchor a large ensemble cast with both humor and heart.

She is also attached to the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff, The Madison, where she will both star and serve as an executive producer. This project is expected to be a deep study of grief and human connection, set against the backdrop of the rugged American West. Whether she is playing a grieving widow or a whip-cracking anti-hero, Pfeiffer’s commitment to her craft remains as sharp as ever.

Share your favorite memories of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and your thoughts on her latest projects in the comments.