Remember These Female Action Heroes? Here’s What They Look Like Today

In Batman & Robin (1997), Uma Thurman became Poison Ivy — a brilliant botanist turned eco-terrorist who weaponizes seduction and science. Draped in emeralds and dripping with wit, she played the role with over-the-top charm and theatrical flair. Amid the film’s chaos, Thurman’s performance stood out as gleefully magnetic and self-aware.

By the mid-’90s, Thurman had already proven herself as a serious actress through Pulp Fiction. Taking on Poison Ivy let her play with pure camp, showing a different kind of power — playful, mischievous, and unapologetically feminine. It also demonstrated her comfort in commanding big-budget, stylized worlds without losing her intelligence or edge.