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

Anne Hathaway dedicated a week to embodying Harley Quinn in preparation for a pivotal meeting with director Christopher Nolan, believing she was being considered for a role in "The Dark Knight Rises." The acclaimed actress revealed this intensive preparation process during an appearance on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast. Hathaway's immersion in the persona of the iconic Batman villain stemmed from her assumption that Nolan was exploring casting options for the character.

The revelation highlights Hathaway's deep commitment to understanding and portraying complex characters. Her week-long focus on Harley Quinn underscores a proactive approach to potential roles, even when the exact nature of the opportunity remained undisclosed. This intense period of character study preceded her actual meeting with Nolan, during which the true purpose of their discussion would eventually come to light.

It was only approximately two hours into their conversation that Hathaway learned the actual role Nolan was considering her for: Catwoman. This significant shift in the meeting's objective meant her extensive preparation for Harley Quinn, while demonstrating her dedication, was not directly aligned with the part she was ultimately offered. The anecdote provides insight into the casting process for one of the most anticipated films of the era.

The "Dark Knight Rises" meeting ultimately led to Hathaway's portrayal of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, a character central to the film's narrative. Her experience, as shared on the podcast, offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative and strategic considerations involved in major film productions, particularly those helmed by a director known for his meticulous approach.