Actors can work with intimacy coordinators, establish boundaries, and use rehearsal techniques that allow directors and performers to explore romantic chemistry without requiring unnecessary physical contact.
Hathaway herself has pointed to a different approach used during the casting process for The Idea of You.
Rather than relying simply on kissing to determine chemistry, the process involved creative exercises designed to help the actors connect with their characters and with each other.
Chemistry can be demonstrated through conversation, movement, improvisation, rehearsal, and performance. It does not necessarily require intimate physical contact.
Why Hathaway Decided to Speak About It
Speaking about these experiences is important because Hathaway was not simply criticizing one audition. She was describing an entire culture that young performers sometimes had to navigate.
When someone is just starting out, they may feel that they have very little power.
An established actor can negotiate.
An experienced performer can walk away.
But a young actor who is desperate for a chance may feel that saying “no” could close a door forever.
That imbalance can make uncomfortable situations even more difficult.
Hathaway’s comments helped contribute to broader conversations about how actors should be treated during auditions and what should—and should not—be considered necessary when testing romantic chemistry.
An Experience That Became Part of a Larger Conversation
The entertainment industry has increasingly recognized that performers deserve clear boundaries and professional treatment, even during auditions.
The idea of testing chemistry through unwanted or unnecessary physical contact has become increasingly controversial. Modern casting practices can instead focus on acting ability, improvisation, emotional connection, dialogue, and the performers’ ability to work together.
This shift is particularly important for young actors, who may not yet feel confident enough to challenge people in positions of authority.
Hathaway’s experience serves as a reminder of how different the industry could be for actors at the beginning of their careers—and how professional standards can evolve over time.
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