Anne Hathaway, star of “The Idea of You,” recently opened up about her early experiences in the film industry, recalling a time when she was asked to kiss multiple actors during chemistry tests in the early 2000s.
In an interview with V Magazine, the Oscar winner discussed feeling pressured to go along with these practices if she wanted to continue working in the industry. Hathaway, now 41, shared that during one instance, she was informed that 10 men would be coming in for tests, and she was expected to be excited about kissing all of them. However, she found the idea “gross” and questioned if there was something wrong with her for not feeling enthusiastic.
Despite her discomfort, Anne Hathaway felt compelled to pretend she was excited and proceeded with the tests, highlighting the pressure she felt to avoid being labeled as “difficult.”
Reflecting on those experiences, Hathaway noted that such practices were considered normal at the time but acknowledged that they were not the right approach. She emphasized that it wasn’t a deliberate attempt to be hurtful but rather a product of a different era in the industry.
Anne Hathaway’s Approach to ‘The Idea of You’
Fast forward to today, Anne Hathaway is both starring in and producing “The Idea of You,” where she plays a single mother in her 40s who falls in love with a much younger male singer. For the casting process, instead of traditional chemistry tests, Hathaway asked auditioning actors to sing a song they believed the characters would love, followed by a short improv session.
While the film’s age-gap romance has sparked debate, with some criticizing it as “disgusting,” others, including Whoopi Goldberg, have defended it, arguing that such relationships are not uncommon and should not be stigmatized.
“The Idea of You,” based on the bestselling book by Robinne Lee, is set to release soon, with its trailer already generating significant buzz. On “The View,” Goldberg urged those who were uncomfortable with the Anne Hathaway film’s premise to simply avoid watching it instead of criticizing it.
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