Anne Hathaway on why rom-com roles dried up before 'The Idea of You'

She reflects on Hollywood's ageism, how her film explores a woman over 40 finding love and rediscovering herself.

Anne Hathaway, a star once known for her beloved early-2000s rom-coms,  found herself receiving fewer and fewer romantic movie scripts as she entered her 30s.  This changed with "The Idea of You," a film that resonated with her on a personal level.

"I hadn't been sent a romantic script in a really long time," Hathaway stated during a press conference.  She explained a shift in her focus towards her family and motherhood during her 30s.  Yet, she couldn't help but question why those types of roles became scarce.

In "The Idea of You," Hathaway plays Soléne, a 40-year-old divorcee who unexpectedly falls for a 24-year-old musician (Nicholas Galitzine) after a trip to Coachella. Hathaway found the character and story both beautiful and thought-provoking, causing her to question the lack of similar narratives in Hollywood.

The experience of filming the movie became deeply personal for Hathaway, who turned 40 during production. "It became so personal to me... it was like, game over,"  she remarked.

Producer Cathy Schulman revealed her unwavering desire to cast Hathaway, crafting the project with the actress specifically in mind. "She was our first choice," Schulman stated, calling it a "dream come true" when Hathaway agreed. Schulman praised Hathaway's ability to personalize the character, making her relatable to women everywhere.

The onscreen chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine is a core element of the film's appeal. Galitzine described an "immediate" connection, while Hathaway emphasized their playful dynamic that nurtured a supportive and enjoyable work environment.

"The Idea of You" offers a refreshing story of a woman over 40 discovering happiness and love. It subtly spotlights Hollywood's tendency to overlook actresses past a certain age and underscores the importance of diverse stories that reflect the experiences of women at every stage of life.