Anne Hathaway recently opened up about an experience from the early 2000s in which she was asked to “make out” with 10 different men during a chemistry test for an undisclosed project.

In an interview with V Magazine, Hathaway revealed that she was initially taken aback by the request and questioned whether there was something wrong with her for not feeling excited about it.

Recalling her mindset at the time, Hathaway explained that she felt pressured not to be labeled as “difficult” and decided to pretend she was enthusiastic about the situation. She described the practice as sounding “gross” and emphasized that it was considered normal during that era. However, she added that times have changed, and now people have a better understanding of what is acceptable in auditions.

In contrast to her past experience, Hathaway took a different approach when conducting chemistry reads for her new film, “The Idea of You,” in which she also serves as a producer. Instead of focusing on intimate scenes, she asked each actor to choose a song that their character would love and then engage in a short improvisation.

The auditions were centered around creating a comfortable space for connection and shared experiences.

“The Idea of You,” based on the novel by Robinne Lee, follows the story of a 40-year-old single mother who falls for a 24-year-old international pop star. Hathaway expressed that the auditions for the film were a positive and collaborative experience, with actors sharing their character’s favorite songs and engaging in spontaneous dancing.

The film, starring Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, is set to be released on Prime Video on May 2, offering a fresh and modern take on auditions and chemistry tests.

As Hathaway’s revelation sparks conversations about the evolving landscape of auditions and the importance of consent and boundaries, it serves as a reminder of the progress made in the industry and the need for continued awareness and respect in casting processes.