By Emilia Ibarguen Donoso, Head of Photography
With 5 anticipated films set to release this year, Anne Hathaway is booked and busy. Let us dive into her career, as it has been no easy journey becoming a Hollywood star.
In 2001, lives were changed. Well maybe not for everyone, but for younger me who felt represented by Mia Thermapolis’ (Anne Hathaway) curly hair and artsy mother, Anne Hathaway became a staple in my household. Although this was not Hathaway’s first major role - which was playing Meghan Green in the TV series Get Real (1999). The Princess Diaries (2001) became the designated film for worldwide sleepovers. Is it predictable? Sure. But does it create a longing for a fairylike adventure that brings whimsy to the youth? Absolutely.
Hathaway did not stay a one hit wonder, but rather became a Hollywood sensation, starring in films like: Bride Wars (2009), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Love & Other Drugs (2010), The Intern (2015), amongst others. If this list was not impressive enough, in 2009 she was an Oscar Nominee, and finally in 2013 won Actress in a Supporting Role, for her portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables (2012).
Accolade and prestige, however, did not come without its toll, as in the early 2010s, the actress faced a severe online backlash known as "Hathahate" Its origins are traced to Hathaway’s hosting-gig in the 2011 Oscars, where she and, fellow host, James Franco were criticised for their lack of chemistry. The case worsened when comic book fans were distraught by Christopher Nolan’s casting choice of Hathaway as Catwoman for The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Although fans had an array of issues, tonal displacement was the main concern, deeming Hathaway’s bubbly persona and lack of sexual appeal as a mismatch to Selina Kyle’s characterisation. The final straw came from the actress’s winning Oscar speech where she was deemed unauthentic.
The condemnation impaired Hathaway’s career, as film opportunities became limited on account of filmmakers’ fear of associating their projects with her ‘toxic’ reputation . Upon reflection, Hathaway notes that the only appropriate response in times like these is ‘to stay bold.’ On the same line, she revealed that the experience was a learning opportunity that granted her the mentality of following the ‘flow’ when unfavourable circumstances arise.
Still, Hathaway is grateful to Christopher Nolan, who she calls an ‘angel’ for having saved her career by ignoring the online conversation and casting her in Interstellar (2014). It is thanks to this role, she claims, that her career maintained momentum that did not seem possible. The release of The Odyssey (2026) marks their third collaboration, which Hathaway expresses as never getting old. Reciprocally, the legendary director praises the actress’ ambitious nature, revealing that she is ‘never satisfied.’
This drive is precisely what marks 2026 as the start of Anne Hathaway’s Comeback Era.
Portraying Odysseus’s strong-willed wife Penelope, Anne Hathaway takes part in Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer's epic poem that, to this date, is Nolan’s biggest worldwide box office and is his highest rotten tomatoes critic score yet. The Odyssey is simply one fifth of the film-feast Hathaway is serving this year. Here is what else is on the menu:
1. Mother Mary (2026): What started as a small indie production company, is now taking over Hollywood. Hathaway has jumped on the A24 train by starring in their new ‘psychosexual pop thriller’ musical.
2. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026): After 20 years, Hathaway reunites with, Hollywood legend, Meryl Streep, in the insipid sequel to what became fashion bible in cinema.
Charles Hubbard
3. The End of Oak Street: (2026) Taking a 180, this film is the new addition to the sci-fi genre, focusing on a suburban neighbourhood, set in the pre-historic era, featuring dinosaurs.
4. Verity (2026): To finish off her 2026 run, Hathaway will star as Verity Crawford in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s celebrated novel Verity. A psychology thriller for the ages.
Although Hathaway is sure to end this year worn out, her career leaves an everlasting lesson behind: being a figure in the spotlight renders the public a feeling of entitlement that will provide varying degrees of critique, some more positive than others. Regardless, what must always stay true is the love of pursuing one’s craft. If Hathaway’s range of films has taught us anything, it's that she loves her craft. She will keep pushing the envelope to evolve as a performer and artist. If that passion and joy are still there, one must learn to block the surrounding noise and cultivate one’s talent.
Written by Emilia Ibarguen Donoso
Featured Image: / Wikimedia / Anne Hathaway
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