Anne Hathaway Unveils Shocking Casting Ordeal That Involved Kissing 10 Actors During An Audition, Which She Calls "Gross"

Anne Hathaway spilled the tea about a cringe-worthy audition where she had to lock lips with "10 guys" for a role. In an interview with a magazine before her new flick drops, the Oscar winner discussed chemistry tests—those Hollywood trials to see if sparks fly between actors.

Hathaway elaborated on these tests. According to the actress, Hollywood has come a long way since her early 2000s auditions, hinting at past uncomfortable experiences. With her upcoming movie 'The Idea of You' on the horizon, it’s clear she’s glad those awkward auditions are in the rearview mirror.

Hathaway says in the interview:

Back in the 2000s—and this did happen to me—it was considered normal to ask an actor to make out with other actors to test for chemistry, which is actually the worst way to do it.

I was told, 'We have 10 guys coming today, and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to make out with all of them?' And I thought, 'Is there something wrong with me?' because I wasn’t excited. I thought it sounded gross.

She continues her story:

I was so young and terribly aware of how easy it was to lose everything by being labeled 'difficult,' so I just pretended I was excited and got on with it.

It wasn’t a power play; no one was trying to be awful or hurt me. It was just a very different time, and now we know better.

Actors had to go through this kind of audition back then.

It wasn’t a power play; no one was trying to be awful or hurt me. It was just a very different time, and now we know better.

Anne Hathaway isn’t just taking the lead in 'The Idea of You.'

She’s also wearing the producer hat, directly influencing who plays the co-starring role. Adapted from Robinne Lee’s novel, the movie features Hathaway as a 40-year-old single mom swept off her feet by the frontman of a global boy band sensation.

Hathaway also shared how the chemistry reading was done.

We asked each of the actors coming in to choose a song that they felt their character would love, one that they would put on to get my character to dance, and then we’d do a short little improv.

I was sitting in a chair as if we had come in from dinner or a walk or something; we pressed play, and we just started dancing together.

Ultimately, Nicholas Galitzine won the part. He was chosen after dancing to a song by Alabama Shakes.

Hathaway remarked that she immediately felt Galitzine was perfect for the role upon his entrance.

I heard Brittany [Howard]’s voice, and I just started smiling. 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 shared his thoughts on their joint audition, expressing his initial intimidation. However, he noted an almost spiritual connection with Hathaway, sharing a sense of humor and simpatico, which made the experience surprisingly easy despite the initial nerves.

'The Idea of You' will be released on Prime Video in May 2024.

Dr. Emily Nagoski, a well-known sex educator, highlights the importance of consent and comfort in intimate situations, particularly in the context of acting auditions. She emphasizes that the pressure to perform under such conditions can lead to lasting discomfort and anxiety, which many actors face. As she notes, creating safe environments for auditions can allow performers to engage more authentically without the stress of forced intimacy.

Her insights suggest that audition protocols should evolve to prioritize emotional safety, ensuring actors feel respected and valued during their evaluations.

Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman discusses how such audition practices can affect actors' personal relationships and emotional well-being. He explains that forced physical interactions, like kissing multiple actors, can blur boundaries and create complications in how individuals perceive intimacy.

To improve this situation, he recommends implementing clear guidelines that allow actors to express their feelings and establish comfort levels before auditions. This could lead to healthier dynamics both on and off the screen, fostering a more supportive industry environment.

Therapeutic Insights & Recovery

As Anne Hathaway's experience reveals, Hollywood's audition practices have historically been problematic. Experts like Dr. Nagoski and Dr. Gottman stress the need for change, advocating for environments that prioritize consent and emotional safety. By creating clear boundaries and nurturing respectful interactions, the industry can evolve into a space that promotes both artistic authenticity and personal well-being. As discussions around these issues gain traction, the hope is that future generations of actors won't have to navigate such uncomfortable auditions, paving the way for a healthier, more respectful industry.