While it's highly unlikely the producers of "Catwoman" even considered casting anyone other than first-choice Ashley Judd or second-pick Halle Berry, we here at Page 3 feel as though they should have expanded their search to the athletic arena.
Why? Because there are plenty of women who would have looked just as stunning as Berry in that form-fitting, leather catsuit with the strategically-placed cutaways.
That said, just in case the Oscar-winning actress doesn't want to do the sequel -- small chance of that since she's already committed -- here are nine suggestions for her possible successor. Why nine? Hey, nine lives, nine picks.
Let's face it, Anna Kournikova has more than enough time to take on the Catwoman role.
Of course, Ms. Anna is always at the top of our list when it comes to glam gals. She might not be the best tennis player who ever stepped onto a court, but we have a feeling she could get downright catty. And, since the only thing she appears to be doing these days is following Enrique Iglesias around the globe, and fondling him in public places, she's got the time to commit. Besides, a Russian Catwoman would be all too cool. She could purr with an accent.
2. Serena Williams, tennis
Since it appears Ms. Williams is a little bit more interested in being a movie star than the No. 1 tennis player in the world these days, playing Catwoman might be right up her alley. Heck, she's already got a catsuit (Remember that black number she wore at the U.S Open two years ago?) The only deterrent, however, might be her size. Although she's light on her feet, she's so buff that they might have to change the name of the franchise to Bobcatwoman.
3. Marion Jones, track-and-field
She has the perfect body, and despite her disappointing loss in the 100 meters in the recent Olympic trials, she's still swift and very catlike in appearance. Unfortunately -- and thanks in part to the recent drug scandal in track and field -- Ms. Jones is a little less bankable than Kournikova and Williams. That said, she'd probably be well suited for the role. When you've been through everything she has in the past few months, it's sometimes better to use you powers for bad.
4. Dawn Staley, basketball
This girl moves like a cat on the court. She darts in and out of defenses, is a crafty thief, and has decent hops for someone only 5-foot-5. The only thing that might keep Ms. Staley from getting the role is that she'd need a padded catsuit. Physically, her lithe frame is rather devoid of curves. So, she'll either have to start eating more Meow Mix or call the people who hooked Michael Keaton and George Clooney up with their, um, cosmetically-enhanced Batman suit.
5. Heather Mitts, soccer
We likey. She kind of reminds us of former Catwoman Julie Newmar, who was sexy, slick and wicked to the bone. Like Staley, Ms. Mitts reminds you of a cat. On the soccer field, she's quick and always on the attack. And if you try to sneak up on her, it's a safe bet you're going to get pounced on. Given these qualities and a game face that indicates she truly likes to kick butt, Mitts would be a most excellent choice.
Heather Mitts look like former Catwoman Julie Newmar, and she moves like a cat on the field.
Again, size might be an issue, but check this out: Rodman already has the wardrobe; looks great in make-up; could probably do a lot of the stunts without the aid of CGI; and let's face it, the cat needs a job. Also, he'd have a great hook. He could be like this average Peter Parker ("Spider-Man") dude by day and flamboyant Catwoman at night. Vivica A. Fox could be cast as his clueless girlfriend who gets into a fight with town vixen Carmen Electra for trying to take her, uh, man.
7. Carin Koch, golf
Hers is one of the names that often ends up in those sexiest female athlete polls published in those lad mags. She'd be a great Catwoman if for no other reason than she looks great. If Halle Berry or Michelle Pfeiffer are arguably the most beautiful women to play this role, than Ms. Koch would run a close third. Although golf isn't the most physically challenging sport ever played, we're sure she could saunter with the best of them.
8. Michelle Kwan, figure skater
OK, I know what you're thinking. How could sweet, adorable Michelle Kwan transform herself into a catty feline? Oh, please! You think she doesn't have a dark side? Well, even if she doesn't, it's time to tap into it! She's far more graceful than any of the other aforementioned contenders, has the perfect body, the right hair, and who wouldn't want to see a cat skate on ice? Yes, you say, but can she act? That minor flaw never stopped Tori Spelling.
9. Jeanette Lee, billiards
Can't you just hear her purring? They call Lee the "Black Widow," but Page 3 is going to tag her "Top Cat." She works that pool table like those little balls are her prey. And, I'm betting that if they armed her with a pool cue, put an 8-ball logo across her chest and sent her out into the night, she'd jack everyone up. And check out those eyes. ... Lee looks as though she could see anything that went bump in the night and claw it to death.
Miki Turner covers the good life in LA. She can be reached at dmiki@aol.com.
