The Dark Knight Rises: Why Anne Hathaway's Catwoman Deserves a Spinoff
Forget about rebooting Batman, WB should be focusing on giving Catwoman her own spin-off.
The Dark Knight Rises has garnered much media attention since its release on July 20, 2012. Even after being out in theaters for over a month, fans are still talking about the conclusive superhero epic. Although filled with plot holes, over exposition with dialogue, and maybe a bit too bloated of a storyline, the film has done tremendously well at the box office and has received predominantly great reviews. Additionally, the performances in the film have garnered positive attention. Christian Bales turn as a withdrawn and hermetic Bruce Wayne was excellent. Tom Hardy was remarkably daunting and mesmerizing as the villainous Bane. Michael Caine gave, what I believe to be, a performance worthy of a Best Supporting Actor nomination as the emotionally distraught Alfred. Overall, everyone in this film carried their own weight and did an amazing job. However, there was one character who stole the show in my opinion. Anne Hathaway proved a lot of doubters wrong in her exciting turn as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. This thrilling portrayal, as well as interesting character development, opens up the possibility for a well-deserved spinoff for the character. One that could greatly expand Nolans universe and keep The Dark Knight Trilogy relevant and Warner Bros. making money. 
When it was first announced that Anne Hathaway had attained the coveted role of Selina Kyle in TDKR, many fans and critics were either confused or unhappy. An actress who didnt have any action or superhero film experience at all, the bewilderment and discontented feelings of the media and film loving public seemed justified. Hathaway was no doubt a great actress who had displayed her acting chops in many films before. But, she had never delved into the action or superhero genre. There were questions of whether she could pull it off. Catwoman was a beloved character in the comic book canon. With the forgettable Catwoman film starring Halle Berry botching the appearance of Catwoman on the silver screen of the 21st century, Batman fans were looking for a rejuvenation of the character. With TDKR they got it. Hathaway was enthralling as the cat burglar femme fatale. She captured every aspect of the character that comic book fans know and love. Her chemistry with Bruce Wayne was great and very reminiscent of the comics as well as the 1992 movie Batman Returns. That film did a great job showing the fiery attraction between the two characters. TDKR did this as well. I have to applaud Hathaway and her ability to exhibit the mixture of Catwomans visceral playfulness and sultry conduct. She really presented how Catwoman could playfully toy with her enemies in a dangerous and engrossing manner. With this comes questions and possibilities. 
Such a great performance and interesting character makes admirers wonder more about the character. Where is she from? Whats her past? Why is she here? With Warner Bros. looking to expand their cinematic DC Universe with the upcoming Man of Steel film, possible Batman reboot, and Justice League film, it looks as if theyre looking to go head to head with Marvel. But, why not continue to make money off of a franchise that has solely amassed over one billion dollars in box office revenue for you as a company? The Nolanverse is an attractive world that has inspired different takes on Batman and his supporting cast. Its take on characters has enthralled an entire generation of movie goers. With a character as strong and enticing as Catwoman, a solo film should be in order for her. Catwoman has a vast backstory that would be great on screen. Theres a shortage of female heroines in film. Although, there have been some recently such a Black Widow of Avengers fame and Hit Girl of the popular movie Kick Ass. Also, The Bride of the Kill Bill series is a notable mention. If DC Comics wants to beat Marvel in a facet of the cinematic game, they should look to establish their female characters with their own solo films first. With really no indication that Marvel is going to give Black Widow a solo film of her own, DC should attack that field first. There has been word that DC is looking to develop a Wonder Woman film. Catwoman, being there other noticeable female heroine, should to be able to bask in solo movie glory as well. Being already established in Nolans movie world is a great place to start. You can explore Catwomans past in a spinoff film. There are various storylines from the comics detailing her checkered origins. This can be merged or recreated in Nolans world. For example, Catwoman, at one time, believed Carmine Falcone to be her father which led to a search for information that took her to Rome. Who wouldnt want to see Anne Hathaway tear up Rome looking for answers to her past? Also, Catwoman has a past as a prostitute, growing up in the seedy section of East End Gotham. Shes primarily known for having a rivalry with Black Mask. A character, which I wouldve loved to see battle Batman in the TDK trilogy, whom would look great on screen. That would make for an interesting battle. In conclusion, TDKR created an appealing character in Catwoman. With the help of Anne Hathaways fascinating portrayal, I think DC should look to develop a spinoff film that could catapult the character into cinematic popularity.