Breaking: Anne Hathaway's 1 New 2025 Project Revealed
Breaking news! Anne Hathaway is reportedly the DCU's new Poison Ivy. We break down the casting, what it means for the franchise, and why she's the perfect choice.
Chloe Rivera
A pop culture analyst specializing in comic book adaptations and Hollywood casting news.
Stop everything you’re doing. In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the sprawling world of comic book fandom, sources are confirming one of the most unexpected and thrilling casting decisions in recent memory. Get ready, because Gotham City is about to get a whole lot more dangerous, and a whole lot more glamorous. According to a bombshell exclusive from Variety, Academy Award-winner Anne Hathaway has been cast as the DC Universe’s new Poison Ivy.
That’s right. The star of The Devil Wears Prada, Les Misérables, and, yes, The Dark Knight Rises, is reportedly set to take on the iconic role of Dr. Pamela Isley. This isn’t just a rumor from a random forum; when a major trade publication drops a report this big, it’s all but a done deal. The internet is, predictably, in a complete and total meltdown. It’s a choice that is simultaneously out of left field and, the more you think about it, absolutely perfect. For years, fans have debated who could bring the nuanced, brilliant, and eco-conscious super-villain to life in James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DCU. Few had Hathaway at the top of their list, and yet, here we are.
So, what does this mean for the future of the DCU? How will Hathaway’s sophisticated charm and proven dramatic depth shape this beloved character? Let's grab our botany books and break down this groundbreaking news.
The Casting Bombshell: What We Know
The news first broke via a late-night exclusive from Variety, a source as reliable as they come in the entertainment industry. The report states that Anne Hathaway has officially signed on to portray Poison Ivy in an upcoming, yet-to-be-named DCU project. While representatives for both Warner Bros. and Hathaway have remained tight-lipped (a standard practice for these major reveals), the silence is deafening. James Gunn, known for his direct engagement with fans on social media, has notably been quiet on the matter, which many are interpreting as a confirmation in itself.
This casting marks Hathaway’s grand return to the world of Gotham, over a decade after her celebrated turn as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. That role proved she could handle the physicality and moral ambiguity of a complex DC character. However, stepping into the shoes of Poison Ivy is an entirely different beast. Ivy isn't just a thief with a heart of gold; she's a brilliant scientist, a force of nature, and at times, a full-blown eco-terrorist with a body count. This role demands a performer who can be alluring, terrifying, and deeply sympathetic all at once.
From Princess to Poison: Why Hathaway is a Perfect (and Surprising) Choice
At first glance, casting the eternally charming Anne Hathaway as a villain who uses killer plants might seem odd. We know her as the klutzy but lovable Mia Thermopolis, the sharp and ambitious Andy Sachs, and the tragically heroic Fantine. But to pigeonhole her is to ignore one of the most versatile careers in modern Hollywood.
The Proven Range
Hathaway has an Oscar. Let's just start there. Her ability to convey profound emotion is undisputed. But think about the subtle menace she brought to the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland or the cunning she displayed in Ocean's 8. She can play elegant and commanding with an undercurrent of danger. This is the core of Poison Ivy’s persona. Dr. Pamela Isley is a genius, often portrayed as a composed, intellectual figure who is pushed to extremes by humanity's disregard for the planet. Hathaway has the intelligence and gravitas to make Ivy’s scientific background completely believable.
The Catwoman Connection
Her experience as Catwoman is invaluable. She’s already familiar with the intense physical training, stunt work, and green-screen environments that come with a blockbuster of this scale. More importantly, she’s already played in the sandbox of Gotham’s morally grey characters. Her Selina Kyle was a survivor, a pragmatist who walked the line between hero and villain. This experience provides a fantastic foundation for tackling a character who believes her villainous actions are for the greater good.
Reinventing Ivy: A New Chapter for Pamela Isley
For too long, Poison Ivy's mainstream portrayal has been stuck in the shadow of Uma Thurman's campy, yet iconic, performance in 1997's Batman & Robin. While fun, that version was a one-dimensional femme fatale. Modern comics, particularly in series like Harley Quinn and her own solo runs, have redefined Ivy as a deeply complex and powerful figure.
Today’s Poison Ivy is:
- A Scientific Genius: A brilliant botanist and biochemist whose intellect is one of her greatest weapons.
- An Eco-Avenger: Her motivations are rooted in a genuine, albeit extreme, desire to protect the natural world from human destruction. She is the planet's immune response.
- Morally Complex: Is she a villain for wanting to save the planet, even if it means eliminating those who harm it? This is the central question of her character.
- A Queer Icon: Her romantic relationship with Harley Quinn is a cornerstone of modern DC comics, celebrated by fans for its depth and authenticity.
Casting an actress of Hathaway's caliber signals that the DCU is aiming for this more nuanced, prestige-level interpretation. We can expect a Poison Ivy who is not just seductive, but formidable; not just a villain, but an antagonist with a point of view you might just agree with. The potential for a powerful, character-driven story is immense.
Where Will She Bloom? What This Means for the DCU
The biggest question now is: where will we see her first? James Gunn is building an interconnected universe, so the possibilities are tantalizing. Here are the most likely scenarios:
| Potential Project | Role & Likelihood | Why It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| The Batman Part II | Main Antagonist (High Likelihood) | Matt Reeves' universe is grounded, but Ivy's eco-terrorism could be given a gritty, realistic spin. A brilliant scientist turning to extremism fits the world's tone perfectly. |
| Gotham City Sirens Project | Co-Lead (High Likelihood) | This is the fan-favorite choice. Teaming Hathaway's Ivy with Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn (if she crosses over) and a new Catwoman is a recipe for a blockbuster. It would also allow for the exploration of the Harley-Ivy romance. |
| A Swamp Thing Crossover | Supporting Role/Cameo (Medium Likelihood) | Swamp Thing is the champion of "The Green," the elemental force connecting all plant life. A meeting between him and Poison Ivy, the self-proclaimed protector of The Green, is narratively rich and inevitable. |
| Solo Poison Ivy Movie/Series | Lead (Lower Initial Likelihood) | While a solo project is definitely on the table eventually, it's more likely they'll introduce her in an established franchise first. However, an actress of Hathaway's stature could easily lead her own film. |
Regardless of where she appears, her inclusion signals a bold direction for the DCU. It shows a commitment to complex villains and A-list talent. Hathaway doesn’t just sign on to anything; her involvement is a massive vote of confidence in the story being told.
The Green Shoots of a New Era
The casting of Anne Hathaway as Poison Ivy is a masterstroke. It's a decision that respects the character's modern evolution while bringing undeniable star power and dramatic credibility to the role. It promises a version of Pamela Isley who is as brilliant as she is beautiful, as tragic as she is terrifying.
We are potentially on the verge of seeing one of DC's greatest antagonists get the complex, compelling, and faithful big-screen adaptation she has deserved for decades. The new DCU just got infinitely more interesting. Now, the wait for official confirmation and project details begins.
What do you think of this casting? Where do you want to see Anne Hathaway's Poison Ivy show up first? Let us know in the comments below!