Anne Hathaway Just Shut Down The People Who Questioned Her Involvement In “The Idea Of You” By Saying That She Just Wants “To Have Fun”

Sometimes an Oscar winner just wants to have fun!

When the first trailer for Prime Video’s upcoming movie The Idea of You dropped earlier this month, many were shocked to learn that 41-year-old Oscar winner Anne Hathaway is one of the leads.

Anne Hathaway and  Nicholas Galitzine in The Idea of You lounging outside as they talk to others

The movie is due for release in May, and Anne plays Solène — a 40-year-old single mom who strikes up a relationship with a 24-year-old British boy bander called Hayes Campbell, who is played by Nicholas Galitzine.

Anne Hathaway straddling Nicholas Galitzine on the couch as they kiss in The Idea of You

The story follows Solène and Hayes’s unconventional romance after a chance meeting at Coachella, with Solène struggling to adapt to the publicity that comes with dating one of the most famous and in-demand people on the planet.

Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine on the beach in The Idea of You

The Idea of You is based on Robinne Lee’s 2017 novel of the same name, and Lee previously told Vogue that she was largely inspired by One Direction, particularly Harry Styles, when she was writing the book.

Harry Styles performs onstage in a patterned shirt, surrounded by an audience

As a result, many admitted to being confused by Anne’s involvement in the adaptation, and it was widely suggested that the movie was beneath her. Reacting to the trailer on X shortly after its release, one person wrote, “The woman that did Les Mis is now doing a harry styles fan fiction… a step down for Anne Hathaway.”

Anne Hathaway wearing an off-shoulder gown with a sparkling necklace, posing at an event

But while Harry was the initial muse behind The Idea of You, the book’s author has always maintained that the overall focus of the story is Solène “rediscovering herself” in her 40s.

A close-up of Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You

And Anne alluded to this as she opened up about why she accepted the role at the movie’s premiere at SXSW on Saturday.

Anne Hathaway in a sleeveless v-neck dress at SXSW event

“I don’t want to be pigeonholed and don’t want to be placed in a box of what type of films I have to be making because of my age, gender, and because I won an Oscar," she reportedly said. "I want to have fun, dammit. It speaks to me.”

Anne Hathaway kissing her Oscar

And this comment ended up striking a chord with people, who took to social media to praise the actor for her refreshing honesty.

Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine kissing in a scene from in The Idea of You
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