Anne Hathaway Addresses Speculation on Inspiration for 'The Idea of You'

Anne Hathaway Denies Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Inspired The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway. Rick Kern/WireImage

Anne Hathaway clarified that The Idea of You was not inspired by Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde. "No, just no," she told Extra on Tuesday, March 19, addressing the speculation.

When news broke that The Idea of You, a film adaptation of Robinne Lee's 2017 novel, was in the works, fans immediately began to compare Styles, 30, and Wilde, 40. (The pair dated from January 2021 to November 2022, when they announced they were taking a break.)

Rumors suggested that the book was inspired by Harry Styles fanfiction, but the author dismissed this notion in a 2020 interview with Vogue. She clarified, "This was never intended to be a book centered around Harry Styles."

Hathaway pointed out that the movie focuses on the journey of healing from a broken heart. She described how her character's ex-husband caused immense emotional pain, not just by breaking her heart, but also by shattering her family life. The character is portrayed as someone who used to prioritize others' needs over her own, making mature decisions along the way.

Anne Hathaway Denies Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Inspired The Idea of You

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In the movie, Solène (Hathaway) meets Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), a 24-year-old boy band member who unexpectedly falls for her. Hathaway shared that her character, 40-year-old single mom Solène, became pregnant at a young age and took her role as a mother very seriously.

According to Hathaway, Solène did a great job raising her child, establishing a successful business, and making many right decisions. However, when her husband betrays her, she is left questioning whether she was truly loved from the beginning. This uncertainty weighs heavily on her for a long time.

Hathaway shared that Solène initially thought her relationship with Hayes would be casual and fun, but soon realized it was more serious. She knew that in order to fully commit, she would have to make sacrifices.

At the SXSW Film & TV festival on Saturday, March 16, Hathaway revealed that she was approached by producers Cathy Schulman and Gabrielle Union about the role of Solène, and she couldn't say no to it.

"I feel like I keep blooming," Hathaway shared with the audience, challenging the notion that coming-of-age stories only happen in your youth. She expressed her desire to break free from being typecast based on her age, gender, and Oscar win. Hathaway emphasized her wish to have fun and explore diverse roles that resonate with her.

"The Idea of You" will be available on May 2 through Amazon Prime.

Editor's P/S:

Anne Hathaway's clarification about "The Idea of You" not being inspired by Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde is a refreshing departure from the rampant speculation that had surrounded the film. It underscores the importance of separating fiction from reality, especially in an era of pervasive social media and celebrity culture. Hathaway's emphasis on the film's focus on healing from heartbreak and personal growth highlights the universal themes that transcend specific individuals or events.

Furthermore, Hathaway's journey as an actress, as she challenges typecasting and embraces a wider range of roles, is an inspiration. Her willingness to explore diverse characters and break free from societal expectations sets an example for aspiring artists and reminds us of the transformative power of storytelling. The film's release on Amazon Prime in May promises to be a thought-provoking experience that will resonate with audiences on multiple levels. personal growth regardless of their stage in life. The film's message of resilience and the courage to make sacrifices for love is universally relatable and adds a touch of poignancy to the romantic storyline.