Actress Anne Hathaway recently opened up about her decision to take a break from romantic comedies, citing ageism as a key factor in the lack of opportunities for women in Hollywood. Despite starring in several rom-coms in her 20s, such as One Day and Love & Other Drugs, she revealed that she stopped receiving scripts for romantic leads in her 30s. During a press conference for her upcoming film The Idea of You, where she plays a 40-year-old single mom in an age-gap romance with a pop star, she expressed her surprise at the disappearance of such stories and her excitement at returning to the genre.
In The Idea of You, Hathaway’s character, Solène, embarks on a relationship with a 24-year-old boyband star, Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine. The film is based on the best-selling novel by Robinne Lee and is believed to be inspired by real-life celebrity couples, such as Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde. Producer Cathy Schulman revealed that Hathaway was their first choice for the role, praising her as a talented actress and describing the character of Solène as “beautiful.” Hathaway expressed her gratitude for being chosen for the role, emphasizing the importance of playing such a complex and engaging character.
Hathaway has previously spoken out about the ageism and challenges that actresses face in Hollywood, acknowledging the bias that exists against women as they age in the industry. In a recent interview with Net-a-Porter, she shared her experience of being warned that her career would decline after the age of 35, a harsh reality that many women in entertainment have to confront. Despite these obstacles, the actress highlighted the progress that has been made in allowing women to have successful careers in the industry well into their later years, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address and overcome these issues.
The actress’s return to the romantic comedy genre with The Idea of You marks a significant moment in her career, as she navigates the challenges of ageism and limited opportunities for women in Hollywood. Through her portrayal of Solène, a complex and multi-dimensional character in a unique romance, Hathaway aims to challenge stereotypes and bring attention to the importance of telling diverse and inclusive stories on screen. As she continues to advocate for change and push boundaries within the industry, her performance in the film serves as a powerful testament to her talent and determination to create meaningful and impactful work.
