Ricky Church chats with Elizabeth Gillies about her role as Selina Kyle in Catwoman: Hunted…
It is without doubt that Catwoman is one of the most iconic comic book characters ever since she was introduced in the first issue of Batman over 80 years ago. Since then, she has been played by several actresses beginning with Julie Newmar in the classic ’60s television series Batman, Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns, Halle Berry in Catwoman and soon by Zoe Kravitz in the upcoming The Batman. Despite her popularity and the number of DC Animated Movies, however, Catwoman has never been given an animated film all on her own.
That has changed with the upcoming release of Catwoman: Hunted, the feline anti-herione’s first animated feature. The film sees Catwoman attempt to steal a priceless jewel from some of the world’s most deadliest criminals, forcing her into a reluctant alliance with Batwoman and Interpol agents as they attempt to bring down an evil international organization, all the while being hunted by deadly assassins. We spoke with Dynasty star Elizabeth Gillies who voices Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the film and she discussed Catwoman’s iconic status, Hunted‘s female-centric cast and story and who her favourite live-action Catwoman is. Check out our interview below…
Ricky Church: You star in Catwoman: Hunted as title heroine herself. She is one of the most iconic anti-heroes/villains in all of comics. What was it like for you to step into her shoes?
Elizabeth Gillies: I mean, I’m pretty partial to anti-hero/villain characters in general. In a way I feel like that’s what I’ve always played, but Catwoman is incredibly iconic. One of my favourites if not my favourite. She probably is my favourite female DC character and I was just thrilled to get to play her. I was always a huge fan of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and this was an honour and I love voiceover. So altogether it was an honour for me to get to be a part of her first ever animated feature centred all around her so it was great.
Yeah, for sure. Like you said, this is her first time she’s had her own animated feature to herself. Was that intimidating for you to think “this is her first big animated feature and I’m gonna have to carry this”? What were your thoughts?
I mean, it’s a lot of pressure. The fanbase is so strong surrounding all of these characters and, of course, Catwoman’s fanbase is huge. I wanted to make sure I loved the script and that I did my part and that I paid tribute to her while still making her feel fresh and new and modernized with this great script that we were given. I was aware of the pressure, but it looks like, although no one seen it yet, it looks like everyone’s okay with me playing her. So that was a bit of a relief! (Laughs)
Yeah. I thought you were great. One of the things about Catwoman is that she’s got this fun back and forth with Batman, but in this movie it’s interesting that Batman’s not around. Instead it’s Batwoman and she still has a fun relationship with her. What did you find about their dynamic that you tapped into and to play opposite Stephanie Beatriz?
I never recorded with Stephanie. I still haven’t met her! I was joking that I’ll have to DM her on Instagram so I can finally meet her! But I love the dynamic. I thought it was so fun. It’s no secret that Catwoman leads with her sexuality and she has a really strong and fun sexuality. It was cool for me to get to play this Catwoman where she wasn’t just using it all for her advantage and to manipulate. She definitely was, but she also enjoyed it and she actually liked Kate. She liked messing around with her and she liked sort of playing her. That was really cool because it showed us a different side of not only Batwoman of course, which was really cool, but Selina as well. So I was thrilled that the DC Universe was opening themselves up to exploring this nuanced relationship and delving deeper into their dynamic. I think it came out really great. And once I heard Stephanie’s voice, I was like “oh, this is so fun.” It was nice to finally hear our voices together.
Now as we both said, Catwoman is like such a iconic character and she’s been around for over 80 years now. She was introduced in the very first issue of Batman. Why do you think she’s remained such a popular character over eight decades?
Well, she’s so fun and she’s a timeless character. The way she behaves, the things she says, the way she carries herself and the fact that she is an anti-hero/villain/has a good heart, it kind of checks all the boxes for one to be long lasting. And she’s so interesting. I think that’s why she’s been reinvented so many times or reimagined or brought back. I think that she is a dynamic enough character to withstand the test of time. And so I was just thrilled that I got to play her.
Awesome. What I found really interesting and cool about Hunted is that it’s part superhero adventure, part spy film and part heist. Was there a particular element or genre that drew you into this? Or was it just the mix of all those together that made it really interesting for you to join in and play?
The mix was really cool. I loved that it kind of dips its toe into a couple different genres. And then when I saw it, I just thought it was so clever how they set this movie to a mostly jazz score. I thought that was really interesting, plus the anime look too. There’s just so many things about it that I felt were fresh and interesting and new and it kind of felt like a piece of art. Some of the scenes, like some of the car chases or some of the action, they’re beautiful, they’re just really beautifully done. So I just thought it was really interesting. And of course I loved the way Catwoman’s written and how we got to see her vulnerable side as well as her strong and brassy side. I just thought that it was well balanced and it kept my interest and that’s always important.
For sure. Now you just mentioned that this film is a bit unique from a lot of other DC animated features in that this one is an anime. It gives it its own unique style and look and, like you, I love the animation in this. I thought the anime was really well done. What’s it like for you to be in an anime DC film?
I mean, I didn’t even know I was in one! (Laughs) Once I saw it I was like, “Cool, look at this! Who knew?” That was probably mentioned to me and I either forgot or I missed it. But yes, I saw it once and watching it as a whole with the music and, like you said, having it be part heist and part all these different things, I thought that it was only fitting, but it also has a unique animation style. So I just thought it worked. I thought it was fun. And watching people, listening to people’s reaction to that too was really interesting because some people are thrilled, other people are really curious, but it seems pretty positive so it’s cool.
One of the interesting things about Hunted that is really cool as well is that much of the characters are made up of female superheroes and villains of the DC Universe. What was it like for you to be part of a female driven superhero movie where you got to explore all these different sides and complexities to them?
It’s very special. I felt honoured. It’s a big responsibility and I’m always drawn to female driven projects or any projects that have strong female characters. They are a bunch of badasses and I just think that it was a great representation for women this whole movie. I think they did a great job and girls are gonna watch this and wanna go steal emeralds! (Laughs) Kidding. You know what I mean? It’s fun. It’s fun to see a bunch of strong, badass female characters all together, kicking ass. It’s a thrill and the fact that they explored Batwoman and Catwoman’s relationship like they did was groundbreaking as well. So there are a lot of elements to this movie that feel very new and groundbreaking and exciting.
Over the years Catwoman’s been played by several actresses in media, whether it’s TV series or the movies. Do you have a particular favourite or just enjoy seeing the character in whatever form?
Michelle Pfeiffer’s my favourite. Yeah, she’s my go-to favourite. I mean, I love her in every form. I love the character, but if I had to pick one, it would be Pfeiffer. Absolutely. I was drawn to her because, I don’t know, I related to her version of it. I thought that’s something I could do. That seems fun. I love that. Yeah, I just took to it at a young age.
Thank you very much to Elizabeth Gillies for speaking with us!
In the all-new original Catwoman: Hunted, Catwoman’s attempt to steal a priceless jewel puts her squarely in the crosshairs of both a powerful consortium of villains and the ever-resourceful Interpol, not to mention Batwoman. It might just be enough to contain her. Or not.
Catwoman: Hunted is set for release on Blu-ray, DVD and Blu-ray Steelbook on 7th February 2022 and on Digital Download on the 8th February 2022.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
