Actress Anne Hathaway recently opened up about taking a break from romantic comedies and discussed the ageism women face in Hollywood. During a press conference for her upcoming film The Idea of You, Hathaway revealed that she stopped receiving scripts for romantic leads in her 30s. She explained that she was focused on her family life and motherhood during that time and didn’t notice the lack of romantic scripts. However, she felt compelled to return to the genre after realizing the absence of these stories and found The Idea of You to be a thought-provoking exploration of age-gap romance.
In The Idea of You, Hathaway plays Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who enters an age-gap relationship with a 24-year-old boyband star named Hayes Campbell. Inspired by the real-life relationship dynamics of singer Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde, the film is based on a best-selling novel by author Robinne Lee. Producer Cathy Schulman expressed that Hathaway was her top choice for the role, praising the actress’s portrayal of Solène as “beautiful.” Hathaway herself expressed gratitude for being chosen for the role, highlighting the character and storyline of the film as compelling and engaging.
Hathaway has previously spoken out about ageism in Hollywood, sharing her experience of being warned that her career would decline once she hit her mid-30s. Despite facing such challenges, she remains optimistic about the progress that has been made in allowing women to continue their careers well into their later years. Hathaway emphasized the importance of acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to address issues of gender inequality in the industry. She noted that while there have been advancements, there is still room for improvement and advocacy for equal opportunities for women in Hollywood.
The theme of ageism in Hollywood and the resilience of actresses like Hathaway who continue to pursue their careers despite societal pressures is a prevalent topic in the entertainment industry. Hathaway’s decision to return to the romantic comedy genre after a hiatus reflects her commitment to telling stories that challenge stereotypes and showcase the complexities of relationships at different stages of life. The Idea of You provides a platform for Hathaway to explore these themes through her portrayal of Solène, a character navigating the complexities of love and connection in an unconventional relationship setting.
As Hathaway delves into her role in The Idea of You and delves into the exploration of age-gap romance in Hollywood, she sheds light on the need for diverse and inclusive storytelling that reflects the experiences of women in different stages of life. Her candid remarks about the obstacles women face in the industry and her determination to push back against ageism serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and visibility for women in film. Through her advocacy and her choice of roles, Hathaway continues to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable entertainment landscape.
