Anne Hathaway Reveals 'Gross' Audition Practice of Kissing Multiple Men to Find Co-Star

In a recent interview, Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway shared a disturbing audition experience from early in her career. Hathaway revealed that in the 2000s, she was required to kiss multiple men during chemistry tests for a film role, a practice she described as 'gross'.

Hathaway said she was told that 10 men would be coming in and she was expected to 'make out with all of them' to test for on-screen chemistry. Despite finding it unpleasant, Hathaway felt pressured to go along with it as a young rising actress at the time, fearing it could negatively impact her career if she refused. "I was very afraid of being labeled as 'difficult' and I didn't feel like I had a choice," Hathaway explained.

Why this matters: Hathaway's revelation illuminates the inappropriate and coercive practices actresses have faced in the entertainment industry, especially before the #MeToo movement. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to create safer and more respectful working environments for performers.

The actress contrasted this experience with her recent film 'The Idea of You', where she took a different approach as a producer. Instead of kiss tests, Hathaway had the actors choose a song their character would love and do a short improv dance with her. This led to casting Nicholas Galitzine, who Hathaway felt had immediate chemistry with her when they started dancing together.

Hathaway noted that attitudes about on-screen intimacy have shifted during her career, acknowledging that the 'male gaze was very dominant and very pervasive and very juvenile' when she started in Hollywood. She expressed hope that the film industry has evolved, stating, "Now we know better than the practices I experienced earlier in my career."

Key Takeaways

• Anne Hathaway was required to kiss 10 men during an audition, which she found "gross".
• Hathaway felt pressured to comply, fearing being labeled "difficult" could harm her career.
• This reveals inappropriate and coercive practices actresses faced before the #MeToo movement.
• For a recent film, Hathaway had actors choose a song and do a short improv dance.
• Hathaway notes the industry's attitudes about on-screen intimacy have shifted over her career.