Anne Hathaway reveals boys and girls recognise her for very different roles

Anne Hathaway has offered a candid and humorous insight into how different audiences recognise her work, revealing that her most memorable roles vary widely depending on who is approaching her.

Speaking in a recent interview, Hathaway explained that her filmography has created distinct connections with different groups of fans. She noted that younger male audiences are more likely to recognise her for her role as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, while women and LGBTQ+ fans tend to associate her with earlier, fashion and coming-of-age driven roles.

“Boys are more likely to recognise me for ‘Dark Knight Rises’,” Hathaway said, before adding that “the girls and the gays” are more likely to know her from The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada.

The observation highlights the breadth of Hathaway’s career, which has spanned genres ranging from superhero blockbusters to romantic comedies and fashion-driven dramas. Her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries introduced her to global audiences in the early 2000s, establishing her as a relatable and charismatic young lead. That image evolved significantly with The Devil Wears Prada, where she played aspiring journalist Andy Sachs opposite Meryl Streep, a performance that remains one of her most culturally enduring roles.

Years later, Hathaway took on a dramatically different persona in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, portraying Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman. The role showcased her versatility and introduced her to a new generation of viewers within the superhero genre.

Her comments have resonated online, with fans pointing out how accurately her observation reflects audience behaviour. Many noted that her career effectively bridges multiple eras of pop culture, allowing different demographics to “claim” her through the roles that defined their own viewing experiences.

The moment also underlines Hathaway’s unique position in Hollywood as an actor whose work crosses generational and cultural lines. Few performers manage to balance critically acclaimed roles, blockbuster franchises, and cult favourites in the way she has, making her recognisable in entirely different ways depending on who is watching.