Anne Hathaway and the Kissing Marathon: The Story Behind ‘Princess Diaries’
When Hollywood demands, does an actress really have a choice in front of the camera?
It was a dream come true for many, but for Anne Hathaway, the filming of the sequel to The Princess Diaries was filled with an unexpected challenge. The movie, which became an overnight sensation, led to a sequel that had many people excited. However, little did they know that behind the scenes, there was a moment when the cast was put to the ultimate test, involving a series of kisses that left an actress visibly uncomfortable.
From Princess to Star
Anne Hathaway, the heartthrob behind Mia Thermopolis in the original film, was thrilled to return to the fantastical land of Genovia for the second installment of the series. Her role in the movie had catapulted her to stardom, and with this sequel, she was excited to reprise her role and bring even more magic to the screen.
The Audition for Love
The production team was eager to find the perfect love interest for Hathaway's character. They held auditions for numerous male actors to play Nicholas Devereaux, the love interest for Mia Thermopolis. However, the process of finding the right fit for the role took an unexpected turn.
Director Garry Marshall, known for teaching Hathaway about navigating the Hollywood scene with dignity and integrity, made a decision that would test the limits of the actress's composure and comfort zone.
A Kiss to Test Chemistry
In a heart-pounding event that would become part of Hollywood lore, Anne Hathaway was tasked with kissing 12 different actors in a single day. The experience was not what she had anticipated and left her with a mix of emotions.
ldquo;He decided to test a dozen. And Irsquo;m not that kind of girl! Donrsquo;t get me wrong, I love kissing, but the idea of having to kiss 12 different people that Irsquo;ve just met in one 10-hour period of time is a little much for me.rdquo; - Anne Hathaway, 2004, LA Times
Hathaway’s words highlight the discomfort and surprise that came with the experience. While she loves acting and her role as Mia, the idea of so many kisses in such a short period was overwhelming.
Chris Pine and the Perfect Match
Despite the initial discomfort, Hathaway managed to push through the audition process. Chris Pine, an unknown actor at the time, managed to charm his way through the trials. His participation in this public display of affection turned out to be a turning point in his career. He was eventually cast as Nicholas Devereaux, and the film eventually went on to become a box office success.
Behind the Scenes
The audition process was more than just about finding the right actor. It was a test of an actress’s ability to be versatile and handle diverse situations. Hathaway’s experience serves as a reminder that in the world of Hollywood, actors often have to go beyond their comfort zones to create magic on screen.
The casting of Chris Pine was not just the result of a good match but also a testament to the trust and professionalism that the production team had in both Hathaway and Pine. The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, and their collaboration brought the story of Mia Thermopolis and Nicholas Devereaux to life in the most enchanting way possible.
For fans of the series, the story behind the scenes of the making of ‘Princess Diaries 2’ is just as fascinating as the magic on the silver screen. The process of finding the perfect match was not glamorous, filled with kisses and laughter, but it was a part of the journey to creating a beloved film.
As Hathaway shared in her interview with the LA Times, the experience was a defining moment in her career. It highlighted the challenges and the professions she must adapt to in the ever-changing world of Hollywood.