Anne Hathaway Reflects on Kissing 10 Men for Chemistry Auditions in the 2000s

Anne Hathaway Recalls Kissing 10 Different Men for Chemistry Tests in the 2000s

Anne Hathaway. Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

Anne Hathaway has been thinking about how the movie industry has evolved since she started out as a young actress, especially in terms of chemistry tests. In the past, actors were sometimes asked to kiss other actors to see if they had good chemistry. Anne shared her thoughts on this outdated practice in a recent interview with V Magazine on April 22. She believes that this method is not the best way to assess chemistry between actors.

In the early 2000s, Hathaway starred in movies like The Princess Diaries and its subsequent sequels, Ella Enchanted and The Devil Wears Prada, among others.

She shared her experience of being told to make out with multiple guys on set, feeling uncomfortable and pressured. She reflected on the industry norms of that time, where being labeled as difficult could jeopardize her career. Hathaway explained that it wasn't a deliberate attempt to harm her, but rather a reflection of a different era in the industry.

Hathaway not only stars as Solène Marchand in The Idea of You but also serves as a producer. Solène is a single mother who finds herself falling for Hayes Campbell, a singer from the popular boyband August Moon.

Anne Hathaway Recalls Kissing 10 Different Men for Chemistry Tests in the 2000s

Hathaway told V that the story is about a single mother embracing her sexuality at a time when women are often overlooked.

Galitzine, who is 29 years old, has quickly become one of Hollywood's most talked-about new stars. He gained recognition for his performances in movies like "Red, White and Royal Blue" and "Bottoms" released in 2023.

According to Hathaway, when Galitzine auditioned for the role of Hayes, she immediately knew he was the perfect fit. She mentioned that they had already seen several young actors for the part, but Galitzine stood out. Hathaway couldn't help but laugh at how ideal he was for the role. She thought to herself, "He is the one." Galitzine not only had the charm of a One Direction member but also met all of Hathaway's criteria for the character.

"He can read the lines perfectly! And guess what? He can sing too!" she exclaimed. "Oh, and he can play the guitar as well? Wow, he's just a delight to be around. He's so charming, he's won over everyone in the room."

When it was time for the chemistry tests between Hathaway and her co-star, the producers opted for a unique approach.

Each actor was asked to choose a song they thought their character would enjoy. The goal was to get the main character to dance, followed by a short improv session. Picture this: we were seated as if returning from a meal or stroll. As the music started, we began dancing together.

It was a genuine moment; no one was trying to impress or land the role. We simply danced in that space. I glanced over at Michael Showalter, our director, and saw him beaming. It was pure magic!

The Idea of You will start streaming on Prime Video on Thursday, May 2.

Editor's P/S:

Anne Hathaway's candid reflections on the outdated practice of chemistry tests highlight the evolving landscape of the film industry. Her experiences in the early 2000