In a recent chat with V Magazine, Anne Hathaway dished out some eye-opening truths about her early days in Hollywood. Can you believe that back in the 2000s, it was totally normal to have actors lock lips during auditions to see if they had that “spark” on screen?

Hathaway spilled the tea, sharing how she felt about these auditions. “It was considered normal to ask an actor to make out with other actors to test for chemistry. Which is actually the worst way to do it,” she said.

“I was told, ‘We have ten guys coming today and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to make out with all of them?’ she added. “And I thought, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ because I wasn’t excited. I thought it sounded gross.”

But, despite feeling grossed out, she played along because she didn’t want to be labeled as “difficult.”

“It wasn’t a power play, no one was trying to be awful or hurt me,” she said, “It was just a very different time and now we know better.”

Nowadays, Hathaway is all about shaking things up. She’s busy promoting her latest flick, “The Idea of You,” where she plays a single mom who unexpectedly falls for a boy band heartthrob. And guess what? The casting process was refreshingly different.

When auditioning Nicholas Galitzine for the lead role, they ditched the awkward kissing trials and opted for a more fun approach. They asked each actor to pick a song that embodied their character’s vibe. Galitzine chose The Alabama Shakes, and the rest is history.

Describing the audition, Hathaway said it was like magic: “Nobody was showing off. Nobody was trying to get the gig. We were just in a space dancing. I looked over and Michael Showalter, our director, was beaming. Spark.”

Hear the two chat about the romance scenes in the film in the video below.

As Hathaway continues to blaze trails in Hollywood, she’s all about pushing for change. She’s a firm believer in creating inclusive and respectful environments, where actors can thrive without the pressure of outdated practices.

What are your thoughts on Hollywood’s old-school audition practices? Do you think it’s time for a change?