‘Angel” Christopher Nolan saved Anne Hathaway's career when 'toxic identity' online cost her roles

Anne Hathaway says Christopher Nolan more or less saved her career after her Oscar win for "Les Miserables."

Anne Hathaway has revealed how online negativity almost derailed her career but “angel” Christopher Nolan was undeterred by the backlash and stepped in to offer her stellar roles.

In a Vanity Fair interview, Hathaway said that following her Oscar win for "Les Miserables," surge of internet scorn led to headlines like "Why Does Everyone Hate Anne Hathaway?"

"Many wouldn't offer me roles due to my 'toxic online identity,'" she said. But then came Christopher Nolan, who cast her in "Interstellar" (2014). “I had an angel in Christopher Nolan, who did not care about that and gave me one of the most beautiful roles I’ve had in one of the best films that I’ve been a part of.” 

Hathaway, who previously collaborated with Nolan on "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012), believes he offered the role without knowing the online climate. "He didn't lose faith," she said, crediting him with saving her momentum.

The actress acknowledged the emotional toll of the online hate. "Humiliation is tough," she said. But she emphasized the importance of resilience: "Don't let it shut you down. Playing it safe won't work in acting. You have to take risks."

Hathaway has consistently praised Nolan. In a 2023 interview with "Oppenheimer" star Emily Blunt, she called him "authoritative in the best way."