Anne Hathaway details years of preparation for pop star role in 'Mother Mary'

Anne Hathaway has reflected on her experience portraying a pop superstar in her latest film Mother Mary, saying the role ultimately confirmed she has no desire to pursue music as a career.

In a recent New York Times interview published April 23, the Oscar-winning actress, 43, discussed the demanding preparation behind the character, which required her to perform original songs written by artists including FKA Twigs, Jack Antonoff, and Charli XCX.

Upon completing the project, Hathaway said her biggest takeaway was simple: “Wow, I am so not a pop star.”

She explained that transitioning from stage acting to pop performance proved more difficult than expected, particularly when it came to singing techniques. 

“Pop music is the opposite. It’s effortless power, which is not really my thing. I’m, like, all about effort,” she said, noting that her theatrical training relied heavily on projection rather than microphone-based performance.

Hathaway added that the experience made her appreciate the difference between acting and pop stardom, saying she feels more comfortable expressing emotion through characters rather than as herself.

“What I love to do is share what I’ve gone through, the secret parts of my soul, through a filter, through an avatar,” she said. “With a pop star, the image that you’re putting out is based on yourself.”

The actress, who also stars in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2, said preparing for Mother Mary involved years of training and extensive research into performance techniques. 

She described the process as both creatively challenging and eye-opening.

“I had an instinct about the character from the first read,” Hathaway said, adding that while acting came naturally, the musical performance side required long-term dedication and study.

Directed by David Lowery, Mother Mary also features Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber, and FKA Twigs.

Despite the intensive workload, Hathaway said her recent string of projects represents an unusual period in her career, noting she is focusing on balance as she raises her children.

“I can’t see anybody asking me to maintain that pace,” she said, describing the past few years as a rare and temporary creative surge.