“Verity” Director Reveals Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson Improvised Their ‘Very Sexy’ Makeout Scene

**Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway’s ‘Verity’ to Feature Unexpected Romantic Moment**

In an intriguing twist for fans of the novel, Dakota Johnson stars as Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who unexpectedly gets the chance to complete a bestselling thriller series by the renowned author Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway. The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular book is set to hit theatres on 2nd October 2026, and it appears that viewers can expect more than just a straightforward retelling of the original narrative.

Director Michael Showalter has revealed that a steamy scene was added that was not present in Hoover’s book. In an exclusive interview with *Variety*, he explained that during the film’s production, the creative team felt the need to incorporate more sexual tension into the story. “We need some sexy stuff to happen,” he recalled, which led him to reimagine an intimate moment between Lowen and her character’s love interest, Jeremy, played by Josh Hartnett.

This moment, originally supposed to be a simple hug, transforms into something far more charged. Showalter perceived the potential for it to carry a significant sense of eroticism, given the unusual circumstances surrounding the characters. The embrace turns from a comforting gesture during a profound moment of grief to a scene laced with sexual tension. “Lowen is turned on. She’s hugging him in his profound moment of grief that then turns erotic,” Showalter elaborated.

What follows is a collaborative effort by Hathaway and Johnson, who improvised a scene that results in a passionate kiss. Showalter recounted how the actresses suggested that the hug evolve further, saying, “What if while she’s making out with him, it turns into [Anne]? And me going, ‘If you want to do that, yeah’.” This improvisation appears to have added a new layer to the relationship dynamics in the film.

Colleen Hoover herself revealed that she was initially apprehensive about the changes. The author noted that she felt “nervous” regarding the improvised scene since it deviated from her original work. However, Hoover expressed her satisfaction with the final outcome, stating that the scene turned out to be one of her favourites in the adaptation. “It made for a really fun trailer, too!” she added, expressing relief that the creative alterations worked well in the context of the film.

The story of *Verity* revolves around Lowen Ashleigh, a writer standing on the brink of financial peril. She stumbles upon an opportunity to finish a series of books left incomplete by the mysterious Verity Crawford. As Lowen delves into the unpublished manuscript, she uncovers dark secrets that could have profound implications not only for Verity’s legacy but for her own life as well.

Showalter’s direction focuses on bringing to life the intricate characters and the tense atmosphere of the plot. The decision to incorporate more intimate moments and exchanges aligns with the film’s overarching themes of desire and the complexities of human relationships.

With its compelling mix of suspense and romance, *Verity* promises to be more than a simple adaptation; it is set to deliver a layered narrative that explores the intricacies of trust, love, and the secrets hidden within. The added depth brought forth by Hathaway and Johnson’s on-screen chemistry is likely to resonate with audiences, providing a fresh take on the story.

As anticipation builds in the lead-up to the film’s release, it seems that viewers are in for a cinematic experience that will not only stay true to Hoover’s narrative but also reinvent it in ways that enhance the emotional intensity of the story. On the eve of its debut, *Verity* stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in film making, pushing boundaries while remaining anchored in the original source material.