Anne Hathaway Shares Insights on Losing Acting Opportunities After Winning an Oscar

Anne Hathaway is gearing up for the release of her latest film, "The Idea of You," slated to hit theaters in May 2024. In this romantic drama, Hathaway portrays a divorced mother who finds herself entangled in a love affair with a member of a boy band in his twenties, played by Nicholas Galitzine. Adapted from Robinne Lee's novel of the same name, the film promises to captivate audiences, drawing inspiration from the real-life phenomenon of older women dating younger men, notably exemplified by Harry Styles of One Direction fame.

However, Hathaway, aged 41, disclosed in a cover story with Variety in April 2024 that her online persona had once hindered her career prospects. Following her Oscar win for best supporting actress in 2013 for her role in "Les Misérables," she became the target of intense online backlash, famously termed as 'Hathahate.'

"I missed out on several roles because casting directors were apprehensive about the toxicity surrounding my online presence," Hathaway revealed candidly.

She credited director Christopher Nolan, with whom she collaborated on "The Dark Knight Rises," for standing by her during this tumultuous period. Nolan cast her in the acclaimed science fiction epic "Interstellar," alongside an ensemble cast featuring Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, and Michael Caine.

"Christopher Nolan's unwavering support was a beacon of light during that dark phase. His decision to cast me in 'Interstellar' was instrumental in preserving the momentum of my career," Hathaway expressed with gratitude.

Reflecting on the ordeal of enduring online trolling, Hathaway acknowledged the profound impact it had on her.

"The experience of being humiliated publicly is incredibly challenging," she admitted. "But the key is to remain resilient and refuse to let it stifle your spirit. It's tempting to play it safe and avoid drawing attention to oneself, but that's not the solution."

Furthermore, Hathaway revealed that she was initially dismissed as lacking sex appeal when she entered the entertainment industry—a notion she vehemently rejected.

"The prevailing male gaze in Hollywood was pervasive and somewhat juvenile at the time," she reflected. "But I never doubted my own allure. I'm a Scorpio—I know exactly what I bring to the table."

Recently, Hathaway graced the premiere of "The Idea of You" at the Southwest Film Festival, stunning attendees in a fashionable Patou mini dress. Reports from the event suggest that Hathaway was moved to tears during the screening, underscoring the emotional depth of the film's narrative.