Actress Anne Hathaway recalls ‘uncomfortable’ audition that required her to kiss 10 men
Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway has shared details of a challenging audition experience where she had to kiss 10 men.
The 41-year-old star described the incident, which took place in the early 2000s, as “a very different time”.
In an interview with V Magazine, she revealed: “Back in the 2000s, it was common to ask actors to kiss other actors to test for chemistry, which is not the best approach.”
“I was informed, ‘We have 10 guys coming in today and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to kiss all of them?’ And I thought, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ because I wasn’t excited. I found it repulsive.
“Being young and aware of how easily one could be labeled ‘difficult,’ I pretended to be excited and went along with it. It wasn’t a malicious act, no one intended to be unkind or harm me.
“It was just a different time, and now we have a better understanding.”
Hathaway did not disclose the name of the film the audition was for or the identities of the male actors involved.
She contrasted this casting experience with the process for her upcoming rom-com The Idea Of You, where she plays a 40-year-old single mother who gets involved with a 24-year-old boy band singer.
“We asked each actor to choose a song that they felt their character would love, a song that would make my character dance, and then we did a brief improvisation,” Hathaway explained.
Discussing the audition with 29-year-old British actor Nicholas Galitzine, who ultimately landed the role, she mentioned that he selected a song by Alabama Shakes, and the audition went smoothly.
(R-L) Nicholas Galitzine and Hathaway in The Idea Of You. Pic: PA
“I heard [the lead singer of Alabama Shakes] Brittany’s voice and I just started smiling. And he saw me smile, so he relaxed, and we just started dancing.
“Nobody was showing off. Nobody was trying to get the gig. We were just in a space dancing. I looked over and Michael Showalter, our director, was beaming. Spark!”
Galitzine has previously starred in Sky Atlantic’s Mary & George alongside Oscar-winner Julianne Moore, as well as in Prime Video comedy Red, White & Royal Blue playing Prince Henry.
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(R-L) Ella Rubin and Hathaway in The Idea Of You. Pic: PA
Hathaway rose to fame in 2001 with the release of The Princess Diaries film alongside Dame Julie Andrews. In the interview, she addressed speculation about a potential third installment in the series.
“We’re in a good place…That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place,” she stated.
The sequel to the original movie, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, was released three years after the first in 2004.
Hathaway also expressed her desire to appear on Broadway at some point in her career.
“Being on Broadway was my first dream. So many incredible things have happened to me, but not that one yet. It’s a goal that still burns inside me,” she added.
The Idea Of You will be available for streaming on Thursday 2nd May on Prime Video.
