Anne Hathaway ‘Spent a Week’ Prepping for Harley Quinn Before ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Meeting; Nolan Didn’t Reveal Catwoman Until Two Hours Into Their Chat
Actress Anne Hathaway recently disclosed that she undertook a week-long character development process to portray Harley Quinn before meeting Christopher Nolan for 'The Dark Knight Rises.' Reasoning that Catwoman would be too difficult to follow Michelle Pfeiffer's iconic interpretation, Hathaway prepared an elaborate 'demonic Harley Quinn' persona, including costume elements such as striped clothing and jester-style footwear. Her elaborate preparation strategy was abandoned when Nolan revealed approximately two hours into their conversation that the actual role on offer was Catwoman, prompting Hathaway to rapidly shift her character interpretation.
Hathaway secured the role and received critical praise for her performance in the 2012 film. The project initiated a creative partnership with Nolan that has since produced roles in 'Interstellar' and the forthcoming 'The Odyssey.' The director's decision to cast Hathaway proved particularly significant during a career downturn following negative public reaction to her Academy Award win for 'Les Misérables,' a period when industry opportunities had become limited.
- Anne Hathaway spent a week preparing for Harley Quinn, convinced that was the role Christopher Nolan wanted her to audition for in 'The Dark Knight Rises,' before learning two hours into their meeting it was actually Catwoman
- She successfully pivoted her character approach and won the part, launching a working relationship with Nolan spanning 'Interstellar' and 'The Odyssey'
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