Anne Hathaway recently opened up about the uncomfortable experiences she endured during her early acting career, specifically relating to chemistry tests that involved making out with multiple co-stars in a single day, CNN reports. The Oscar-winning actress shared these candid revelations in an interview with V Magazine, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of the film industry in the 2000s.

Unpleasant Walk Down Memory Lane

During the interview, Hathaway recalled a particularly unsettling audition process where she had to kiss 10 different men as part of a chemistry test for a film she did not name. “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,” Hathaway recounted.

Describing the experience as “gross,” Hathaway reflected on the pressures young actors face to comply with industry norms to avoid being labeled difficult. “I was so young and terribly aware how easy it was to lose everything by being labeled ‘difficult,' so I just pretended I was excited and got on with it,” she explained. This admission highlights the changes in the industry regarding the treatment of actors and the evolution of audition processes over the years.

Hathaway emphasized that these actions were not intended as a power play or to be malicious. “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,” she added, acknowledging the shifts in industry standards and practices.

A New Approach in Modern Casting

In contrast to her early experiences, Hathaway shared insights into the casting process for her latest film, “The Idea of You,” where she not only stars but also serves as a producer. The film features a romance between her character, a single mother named Solène, and a young pop star played by British actor Nicholas Galitzine.

Explaining the modern and more respectful approach to chemistry tests, Hathaway described how they selected Galitzine for his role. Instead of physical tests, the actors engaged in a dance-based chemistry test, where each actor chose a song to dance to with Anne Hathaway to capture the essence of their characters’ dynamic. “We asked each of the actors coming in to choose a song that they felt their character would love, that they would put on to get my character to dance, and then we’d do a short little improv,” Hathaway detailed.

This method, focused on mutual comfort and artistic expression rather than physicality, led to a natural connection between Hathaway and Galitzine, facilitated by the soulful music of Alabama Shakes. “And it was just easy,” Hathaway reminisced. “I heard [the lead singer of Alabama Shakes] Brittany’s voice and I just started smiling. And he [Galitzine] saw me smile, so he relaxed, and we just started dancing.”

The success of this audition was evident, not only in the actors’ performances but also in the reaction of their director, Michael Showalter, who, according to Hathaway, was “beaming.”

Anne Hathaway's reflections offer a glimpse into the evolving nature of Hollywood casting practices, emphasizing a shift towards respect and creativity over uncomfortable and outdated methods. This change marks a significant progression in how actors interact and perform chemistry tests, shaping a more humane and supportive industry environment.