Anne Hathaway reflects on her emotional experience during the first screening of “The Idea of You” at SXSW earlier this year, likening the audience’s reaction to the reception she received for “The Princess Diaries” in 2001.
The world premiere of “The Idea of You” took place in Austin in March, ahead of its red carpet event in New York on Monday. Hathaway was moved to tears after the screening, expressing gratitude to the audience for their profound connection to the film. She remarked, “You have no idea the gift that you’ve just given us with your responsiveness, by being so connected to every little nuance in this. I will never forget this screening.”
Reflecting on the emotional event, Hathaway shared with The Hollywood Reporter in New York that it held significance for her as one of her first streaming movies. She emphasized the importance of experiencing the film with an audience, knowing that it wouldn’t have followed the traditional theatrical release path.
In the film, Hathaway portrays Solène, a 40-year-old single mother who embarks on an unexpected romance with 24-year-old pop star Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine.
Galitzine reminisced about his audition experience with Hathaway, describing her openness and playfulness, which he found inspiring. He also humorously recounted his time at a “boy band bootcamp” to prepare for his role as the lead singer in the band August Moon, praising choreographer Danny Vitale for helping him feel more comfortable and confident on stage.
