Tim Burton’s Batman Returns saw Michelle Pfeiffer play the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman; however, the role was nearly played by Annette Bening.
Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Bening was asked about how early experiences working with Tim Burton on Batman Returns, a film she ultimately had to step away from after becoming pregnant.
“It was so surprising because I was trying to get pregnant and had never been pregnant,” Bening recalled. “I didn’t know how long it was going to take. It didn’t take very long. So, then, I was supposed to do Batman [Returns]. I didn’t want to announce my pregnancy because, of course, you never want to do that early for obvious reasons. I was actually measured for my catsuit.”
When asked if the catsuit was comfortable and if she has fond memories of that session, Bening said, “They did a full-body cast in those days. I’m sure they wouldn’t have to do it that way now, but in those days they’d do a full-body cast. I had to call Tim Burton and say, ‘I’m having a baby.’”
Who else starred in Batman Returns?
While actors such as Cher, Bridget Fonda, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Susan Sarandon, and Sean Young all lobbied for the role once Bening dropped out, the part ultimately went to Pfeiffer. The movie, released in June 1992, saw Michael Keaton once again play the Dark Knight, while it also starred Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin, Christopher Walken as Max Shreck, Michael Gough as Alfred Pennywork, and Pat Hingle as James Gordon.
Bening and Burton eventually collaborated together on 1996’s Mars Attacks! She’s also starred in 1999’s American Beauty, 2004’s Being Julia, 2010’s The Kids Are All Right, 2016’s 20th Century Women, 2019’s Captain Marvel, and, most recently, 2023’s Nyad.
Batman Returns is currently streaming on Max.
