The leather jacket, an endless fashion staple that continues to make waves in the 21st century just as it did before that. From dystopian futures to modern anti-heroes, the 2000s brought a strikingly fresh wave of iconic leather jacket moments in pop culture and cinema. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable leather jacket appearances since 2000s.
1. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
While The Matrix initially brought leather back to the mainstream in 1999, its influential statement persisted well into the 2000s, particularly with The Matrix Reloaded. Keanu Reeves’ character Neo continued to sport his long black leather trench coat, further cementing the garment as a symbol of futuristic revolution as well as rebellion and independence from societal constraints. The Matrix franchise helped to redefine how leather jackets could be styled—less rugged and more sleek and form-fitting for the tech-savvy age.
2. Selene in Underworld (2003)
Kate Beckinsale’s portrayal of Selene, the mysterious vampire warrior in Underworld, brought a gothic and fierce edge to leather jackets. Her black leather trench coat, styled with a corset and combat boots, made her an iconic figure in the action-horror genre. Selene’s leather-clad, sleek appearance added an element of danger and allure, representing the 2000s’ fascination with supernatural and empowered female characters.
3. The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy frequently donned leather jackets when not in his Bat suit. His tailored yet casual leather jackets added to his shadowy and broody persona, balancing his billionaire charm with vigilante grit. The trilogy’s darker, more realistic take on Batman also reflected in Bruce’s personal fashion choices, making leather jackets a key part of his casual “off-duty” look.
4. Wolverine in X-Men and Logan (2000, 2017)
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine, starting with X-Men (2000) and concluding with Logan (2017), often featured him in a rugged leather jacket that underscored his tough, grizzled persona. In Logan, the worn, aged Wolverine sporting a weathered jacket further accentuated his enduring struggles. This iconic look became closely associated with the character, symbolizing his anti-hero identity, and serving as a powerful emblem of resilience and rebellion throughout the X-Men series.
5. Bane in The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Tom Hardy’s character, Bane, in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) redefined leather jackets in the genre of superhero. His smooth fur-collared leather coat expressed his menacing presence and militant persona, easily blending ruggedness with a militaristic flair. Bane’s jacket became a pop culture touchpoint, showing off brute strength and tactical genius, and its style remains popular in casual street fashion.
6. Ryan Gosling in Drive (2011)
While not strictly a leather jacket, Ryan Gosling’s satin jacket in Drive gave rise to a minimalist approach to styling anti-hero fashion in the 2010s. However, his overall style in the film, paired with his character’s tough demeanor, showcased a wave of understated yet commanding fashion in cinema, often reminiscent of earlier leather jacket trends. His quiet intensity in Drive mirrored the coolness that was once associated with iconic leather-clad
characters like James Dean or Steve McQueen.
7. Black Widow in The Avengers (2012)
Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, the fierce avenger, introduced in Iron Man 2 (2010) and further explored in The Avengers (2012), became known for her tight-fitted black leather outfits. Her black leather jumpsuits and jackets not only emphasized her role as a spy and combat expert but also represented the rising trend of empowered, leather-clad female superheroes that was coming to the mainstream in the 21st century. Black Widow’s leather
looks blended sleekness with strength, establishing her as a fierce and fashionable force in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a flattering attitude.
8. Jessica Jones (2015)
Krysten Ritter’s portrayal of Jessica Jones in the Marvel’s Jessica Jones TV series brought a more grounded, urban take on the leather jacket. As a reluctant superhero with a complicated past, Jessica Jones’ signature leather jacket became her symbol of tough, no-nonsense attitude. Her casual, lived-in jacket reflected her gritty lifestyle as a private investigator who battles both inner demons and physical threats, captivating the essence of modern anti-heroes.
9. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Tom Hardy’s turn as Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road saw him donning a rugged, weather-beaten leather jacket, much like the one Mel Gibson made famous in the original films. In the apocalyptic wasteland, the jacket added to Max’s hardened persona, emphasizing survivalism, resourcefulness and courage. The post-apocalyptic setting and utilitarian style of Max’s jacket synced with the dystopian themes that have gained popularity in the 21st
century.
10. Negan in The Walking Dead (2016)
Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of Negan, the infamous villain in The Walking Dead, brought one of the most feared leather jackets in modern TV history. His black leather jacket, styled with a scarf and baseball bat named Lucille, made Negan a chilling presence with a wild demeanor. The jacket became a symbol of his brutal leadership ways, as well as his sadistic sense of order in the post-apocalyptic world.
In the 21st century, leather jackets have evolved in pop culture to represent more than just rebellion—they embody empowerment, survival, and even sophistication. From superhero outfits to dystopian warriors, the leather jacket remains a versatile symbol of fierceness and individuality. Whether it’s a sleek modern look or a worn, rugged piece of outerwear, the leather jacket continues to be a defining element of character and style in pop culture today.
