In the early 1990s, Sean Young’s campaign to secure the role of Catwoman in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about controversies. Young, known for her roles in films like “Blade Runner” and “No Way Out,” took an unconventional approach to audition for the coveted part. She crafted her own Catwoman costume and made a memorable appearance on “The Joan Rivers Show” to publicly pitch herself for the role. Despite her efforts, the campaign was met with heavy criticism, and the role ultimately went to Michelle Pfeiffer.
Reflecting on the incident years later, Young finds humor in the situation. In an interview with The Spectator, she shared her thoughts on the controversial campaign. “Honestly, I thought it was funny!” Young remarked. “I thought it was really, really funny, but these, these insecure d*ckheads at these studios, they just didn’t see the humor. They really didn’t. And I did not realize that they were so humorless. I really didn’t. I thought it was absolutely f***ing hilarious. I love that video.”
Young’s bold move was not just about securing a role; it was also a statement about her passion and determination. She believed that her public audition was a creative and humorous way to showcase her suitability for the role. However, the studio executives did not share her perspective. Young suggested that the studio heads lacked a sense of humor and failed to see the potential in her unconventional approach. “Of course, I should play Catwoman, and if these guys had had any sense, any time from that point until now, they would have given me the part again because [the controversy], it was so perfect, but they’re not really good businessmen… They’re not very intelligent,” she added.
The role of Catwoman in “Batman Returns” became iconic, with Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal receiving widespread acclaim. Pfeiffer’s performance was embraced by fans and critics alike, solidifying her place in the annals of superhero cinema. However, Young’s campaign remains a fascinating “what if” scenario in Hollywood history. The incident highlights the challenges actors face in the competitive world of film casting and the lengths to which some are willing to go to secure a role.
Interestingly, there was a potential opportunity for Young to don the Catwoman suit on the big screen after all. The recent film “The Flash” included cameos from various versions of Batman, sparking rumors that Pfeiffer might reprise her role as Catwoman. While this did not come to fruition, it raised the possibility of featuring a Catwoman variant played by Young. Such a cameo would have been a nod to her infamous campaign and a delightful Easter egg for fans. Although this opportunity was missed, the door remains open for future multiverse explorations in the DC Universe, where Young could potentially make an appearance.
The story of Sean Young’s campaign for the role of Catwoman is a testament to her tenacity and creativity. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the subjective nature of casting decisions. While Young did not achieve her goal, her efforts left a lasting impression and continue to be a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders.
In the end, Young’s controversial campaign for the role of Catwoman in “Batman Returns” is a fascinating chapter in Hollywood history. It showcases the lengths to which actors will go to pursue their dreams and the sometimes rigid nature of the film industry. Despite the criticism she faced, Young’s bold move remains a memorable and humorous moment in the world of cinema.
Source: The Spectator
