Anne Hathaway has spoken openly about long-standing rumors regarding her behavior early in her career, acknowledging she isn’t perfect and admitting to adopting a protective “armor” during her initial years in Hollywood.

Early Career and Protective Measures

The actress, now 43, reflected on this period in a recent interview with Vogue Australia, coinciding with the promotion of her upcoming film, The Devil Wears Prada 2. She explained that a fear of being perceived as simply “sweet” led her to present a hardened exterior, a strategy she employed to shield herself from potential exploitation or negativity within the industry.

Hathaway candidly stated that while far from perfect, her inherent kindness was something she initially felt compelled to conceal. She attributes this to the challenges she faced and the need to navigate a demanding and often unforgiving professional landscape.

Addressing Past Incidents

The narrative surrounding Hathaway’s early career was often punctuated by reports of demanding requests and perceived “diva” behavior. One widely circulated incident from 2015 involved her sending back a breakfast order – poached eggs with an English muffin and avocado – four times due to minor imperfections in its preparation.

Initially dissatisfied with the egg’s consistency, then the muffin’s temperature, she ultimately requested a fried egg instead after the catering staff finally achieved the original order to her satisfaction.

Further reports from 2008 during the promotion of Rachel Getting Married detailed requests for specific soy lattes and scrambled eggs, allegedly causing delays and inconvenience. In 2013, claims surfaced suggesting she demanded silence and strict adherence to personal space guidelines at a charity event, accusations her publicist vehemently denied as entirely false.

Looking Ahead: 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

Hathaway’s willingness to discuss these past experiences marks a shift towards greater transparency and self-awareness. She now expresses a diminished need for the protective “armor” she once felt necessary.

The return to her iconic role as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2, slated for release on May 1, 2026, provides a fitting backdrop for this reflection.

The sequel sees Andy back at Runway magazine, now a features editor, navigating a new set of challenges as Miranda Priestly contemplates retirement and faces competition from a former protégée, Emily Charlton. Hathaway’s recent appearances at premieres in New York and London have generated significant excitement for the film and offered a glimpse into her evolved persona.

Her openness about past vulnerabilities and her embrace of authenticity suggest a more grounded and self-assured actress, ready to tackle the next chapter of her career with a renewed sense of confidence and self-acceptance. The film promises to explore themes of ambition, rivalry, and the complexities of navigating the fashion world, all while offering a compelling continuation of Andy Sachs’s journey.