Anne Hathaway Reveals Why She Never Wants to Be a Pop Star After Playing One in “Mother Mary”

Anne Hathaway, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress, has opened up about her journey into the world of pop music for her recent film, *Mother Mary*. In an interview with *The New York Times*, the 43-year-old star revealed the challenges she faced while preparing for her role as a music superstar, highlighting the significant difference between stage performance and singing pop music.

In *Mother Mary*, now showing in select cinemas, Hathaway’s character is a fictional pop icon who faces the complexities of fame. To convincingly portray this character, Hathaway underwent extensive training in singing and performance, working on original songs crafted by artists such as FKA Twigs, Jack Antonoff, and Charli XCX. She candidly admitted that the transition from theatrical singing to the intimate style required for pop was more daunting than she anticipated.

Reflecting on her experiences, Hathaway stated, “To my horror and dismay, I realised I had no idea how to sing into a microphone because all of my training was onstage, where there’s so much projection involved.” She elaborated on the challenges posed by the pop music genre, remarking, “Pop music is the opposite. It’s effortless power, which is not really my thing. I’m, like, all about effort.” This revelation highlights the significant differences between her acting background and the demands of a pop star persona.

Hathaway’s admission serves as a reminder that while she is celebrated for her dramatic roles, the persona of a pop star requires a different type of performance. She quipped, “I was like, wow, I am so not a pop star,” indicating her realisation of where her strengths lie. This insight aligns with Hathaway’s preference for transformative roles that allow her to explore complex characters without exposing her personal self in the same way a pop artist must.

The actress expressed that she appreciates the ability to share her experiences through the various characters she embodies, allowing her to communicate certain truths without baring her soul directly. “What I love to do is share what I’ve gone through, the secret parts of my soul, through a filter, through an avatar that I can privately relate to,” she explained. Hathaway contrasted this with the authenticity required from pop stars, stating, “With a pop star, the image that you’re putting out is based on yourself. And so you are your own avatar.”

In preparing for her role in *Mother Mary*, Hathaway combined her artistic instincts with extensive research into the world of pop music. She noted that the emotional depth of her character resonated with her from the very first script read. “I had an instinct about the character that I had from the first read — the brokenness of her, everything related to the dialogue and acting,” she shared. However, mastering the performance aspect proved to be a lengthy journey.

Directed by David Lowery, *Mother Mary* features a strong supporting cast, including Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, and Kaia Gerber, among others. The film is part of a particularly busy year for Hathaway, who has five movies slated for release, including *The Odyssey*, *Verity*, and *The End of Oak Street*.

Despite the excitement surrounding her prolific output, Hathaway acknowledged the challenges of maintaining such a demanding pace, especially as a parent. “That kind of a pace is unsustainable, particularly now. I have young children,” she remarked. The last few years of intensive filming have felt like an “anomaly,” suggesting she may take a step back following this surge in projects. “I can’t see anybody asking me to maintain that pace when my kids are out of my house, which will be like late 50s, early 60s. So I see this as kind of a one-off, and I’m just enjoying it because it’s never gonna happen again.”

*Mother Mary* is currently showing in cinemas, while *The Devil Wears Prada 2* is set to be released on 1 May. As Hathaway continues to navigate her career and family life, her insights into the world of music and acting offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of the roles she takes on.