Anne Hathaway shared her unconventional audition experience, revealing that she had to engage in on-screen kissing sessions with 10 different men as part of a screen test for a movie role.
The esteemed actress, known for her diverse roles in Hollywood and an Oscar win under her belt, reflected on the unusual casting process while discussing her upcoming romantic drama, The Idea of You.
She compared the casting methods of today to those of two decades ago, highlighting the significant changes that have taken place in the industry.
Although Anne did not disclose the specific movie in question, she disclosed to V Magazine that during the early 2000s, it was customary for actors to partake in intimate scenes with potential co-stars to gauge their on-screen chemistry.
She expressed discomfort with the situation, recounting how she was informed about having to kiss 10 individuals in one day to determine the best fit for the role.
Anne candidly admitted her initial repulsion towards the idea, stating that she found it unappealing and unpleasant.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hathaway has portrayed a wide array of characters in films such as The Dark Knight Rises, Alice in Wonderland, and Les Miserables.
Reflecting on the past casting practices, she emphasized that although there was no ill intent behind the process, it was emblematic of a bygone era.
Anne acknowledged her vulnerability as a young actor, cognizant of the risks associated with being labeled as ‘difficult,’ hence she complied with the requests despite her reservations.
In her latest project, The Idea of You, Hathaway assumes the role of a single mother in her forties who finds love with the frontman of a popular boy band.
As a producer on the film, Anne had a more substantial say in the casting decisions, opting for a unique approach to selecting her co-star.
Each actor auditioning for the role was tasked with choosing a song that encapsulated their character and prompted Hathaway’s character to dance, leading to a spontaneous improvisational session during auditions.
Nicholas Galitzine ultimately captured Anne’s attention and secured the role after selecting an Alabama Shakes track for the audition.
Recalling the audition process, Hathaway described the immediate connection and chemistry she felt with Galitzine, portraying him as the ideal fit for the part.
The audition, characterized by a genuine exchange devoid of pretense, left a lasting impression on both Hathaway and the director, Michael Showalter.
The casting decision for The Idea of You appears to have been a resounding success, with the movie receiving positive reviews following its screening at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year.
The adaptation of Robinne Lee’s novel boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, indicating a promising reception from audiences upon its release in May.
The film’s acclaim underscores the efficacy of Hathaway’s unconventional casting approach, steering away from the traditional methods she experienced earlier in her career.
