Berry's 'Jinx' Jinxed, Movie a No-Go

By Stephen M. Silverman

Monday October 27, 2003 01:00 AM EST

While things appear to be going purringly with her upcoming "Catwoman" movie, Halle Berry has lost another major upcoming role.

Variety reports that the "Monster's Ball" Oscar winner, 37, will not be doffing the orange bikini she made famous as Jinx, the American super spy in the last James Bond movie, "Die Another Day."

In an apparent surprise move, MGM has shelved the idea of a spin-off with Berry's character, which was to have been produced before the next Pierce Brosnan-007 outing. The decision was reportedly made with the "Jinx" script in place and a director, Stephen Frears, about to be announced.

Instead, says Variety, MGM is moving ahead with Bond 21, which is to begin shooting in 2005.

The decision reportedly caught Bond producers Barbara Broccoli (daughter of original Bond producer "Cubby" Broccoli) and Michael Wilson off guard.

"There were creative differences," their spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, in reports from the "Catwoman" set, Berry is going for the dominatrix look in her feline-like leather garb, outfitted with straps, high heels, a mask and gloves.

Her role, that of scientist Patience Price, works for a cosmetics firm and takes on her evil boss, played by Sharon Stone. "She's not Superman," Berry said at a press conference in Britain. "She's not trying to save the world. Catwoman is out to save herself."