Anne Hathaway, the Academy Award-winning actress celebrated for her broad range of performances, revealed the deep emotional connection she felt when parting ways with the character of Catwoman. Known for her versatility from romantic comedies to intense dramas, Hathaway’s tenure as Catwoman during Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy remains one of her most impactful roles. Recently, Hathaway expressed her difficulty in saying goodbye to the iconic character during a press event for a screening of The Dark Knight, sharing her feelings of loss and longing.
Anne Hathaway’s Career and Impact
Hathaway’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most charged and adaptable performers is well-established, having appeared on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list over a decade ago as one of the highest-paid actresses globally. Her ability to convincingly switch between princess, addict, superhero, and tragic heroine roles illustrates her range and determination. Among her many defining roles, Catwoman stands out as deeply meaningful to her, symbolizing a dream realized and a character she cherishes profoundly.
Revealing the Tears Behind the Scenes
During a question-and-answer session moderated after a screening of The Dark Knight, Hathaway unexpectedly broke down when asked about bidding farewell to Catwoman. She confessed her feelings candidly:
“I actually, it’s so embarrassing, I was at a press Q & A thing the other night for a screening of The Dark Knight, and the moderator asked me, ‘So what was it like to say goodbye to the character?’ And I burst into tears, because I miss her. It just makes me cry. I miss her.”
She further reflected on the character’s importance to her, admitting:

“I love Selena so much, and I love her presence in my life and getting to… I’m crying again. So assuming there was enough Kleenex in the world, I would love to do a spin-off.”
This heartfelt admission illustrates how deeply Anne Hathaway values the Catwoman role, not merely as a job but as an affectionate and transformative figure in her life.
A Dream Role Fulfilled
In another interview, Hathaway shared how becoming Catwoman was a personal milestone. She revealed that, contrary to public perception, her childhood dream wasn’t to be a princess, but rather to embody Catwoman:
“It was funny for me because when I got my start, I kind of got my big break with The Princess Diaries, and during the press rounds for that, everyone asked me: ‘Did you always want to be a princess growing up?’ And the truth was, no, I wanted to be Catwoman. And I think a lot of women feel that way. And the fact that I am actually her is such a dream come true. It’s such a pinch-me moment. And the fact that I am Catwoman in Chris Nolan’s Gotham to Christian Bale’s Batman is unbelievably cool.”
This highlights the meaningful intersection between Hathaway’s professional journey and personal aspirations, further solidifying the character’s unique significance to her.
Future Collaborations with Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan, who previously directed Hathaway in both The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, has played a crucial role in her career. Their ongoing collaboration underscores the strong professional partnership and creative trust they share. Hathaway is set to reunite with Nolan for his upcoming film, The Odyssey, which also features stars like Tom Holland and Zendaya. This project is scheduled for release next year and marks another chapter in her evolving career under Nolan’s direction.
The Lasting Influence of Catwoman and What’s Next
Anne Hathaway’s emotional farewell to Catwoman underscores the profound impact certain roles have on actors, shaping not only their careers but also their personal lives. By expressing her heartfelt sadness and hope for a spin-off, Hathaway reveals the enduring allure of the character and the possibility for future storytelling in Gotham’s universe. Her involvement in Nolan’s forthcoming film additionally points to exciting new directions in her career, blending the intensity of past successes with upcoming projects.
