Anne Hathaway has revealed that pop sensation Taylor Swift significantly influenced her portrayal of the titular character in her upcoming film ‘Mother Mary,’ which is set to hit select cinemas on 17 April before achieving a wider release on 24 April. During an appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ on 15 April, the actress discussed the real-life musical icons who played a role in shaping her character.
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The film revolves around a pop star who has ruled the industry for decades, and Hathaway, 43, credits Swift as a crucial inspiration for this role. Remarkably, the two crossed paths while Hathaway was filming in Bonn, Germany, which coincided with one of the stops on Swift’s Eras Tour. Eager to experience the performance, Hathaway and her family made the journey to Gelsenkirchen, located approximately 71.5 miles away, to attend the concert.
Reflecting on the concert experience, Hathaway described the electrifying atmosphere when Swift took to the stage. “It was amazing. She came out on stage and … the whole place exploded,” Hathaway recalled, highlighting how Swift’s charisma made her audience feel profoundly appreciated. In a delightful twist during the concert, Hathaway believed she caught Swift waving directly at her. “Oh my God, Annie, you’re so cute,” she later joked to herself, bemused that she thought the star was acknowledging her.
As the concert continued, Hathaway’s experience took an unexpectedly delightful turn. A tap on her shoulder alerted her to a fellow concert-goer holding a note intended for her from Swift. The mysterious messenger relayed Swift’s message: “Taylor wants you to have this.” Hathaway’s astonishment was evident as she opened the note, which read, “I’m so happy you’re here. I’m going to be enthusiastically waving at you.”
The actress described her reaction to the note as giddy, stating, “Oh my God, she’s so magical! And she did it, she did the thing! And I was right, I am special!” This spontaneous moment further fuelled Hathaway’s admiration for Swift, whom she referred to as “like an angel that I felt like was over our heads all the time.”
Hathaway’s creative process for ‘Mother Mary’ also drew from a range of musical influences beyond Swift. She noted the impact of several other pop icons including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Rosalía, and Lorde, as well as alternative artists like James Blake and Nine Inch Nails. This diverse palette of inspirations contributed to the multifaceted nature of her character.
The film’s writer and director, David Lowery, is also a dedicated Swift fan. Hathaway remarked that Lowery was particularly influenced by the concert scenes from Swift’s Reputation Tour. Furthermore, she found insight in Swift’s film ‘Miss Americana,’ which she praised for its raw portrayal of vulnerability, especially during a period when Swift was navigating personal challenges amidst her soaring fame.
Hathaway expressed that her perspective on Swift changed dramatically after viewing ‘Miss Americana,’ allowing her to appreciate Swift’s humanity more deeply. “I was already a fan,” she stated, “but after that, I just had so much empathy for her and her humanity.”
In ‘Mother Mary,’ Hathaway portrays a character who reconnects with her estranged best friend, played by Michaela Coel, a former costume designer named Sam Anselm. The narrative promises to explore the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of an expansive music career, offering an intriguing glimpse into the lives of its characters.
The anticipation surrounding ‘Mother Mary’ is building as its release date approaches, with the film expected to showcase Hathaway’s extensive research and the nuanced influences from the world of pop music woven throughout the story. As it stands, the film not only reflects Hathaway’s artistic journey but symbolises the power and impact of music and human connection in a celebrity-dominated landscape.