The High-Stakes Hustle: 5 Shocking Secrets About Rebel Wilson And Anne Hathaway’s On-Set Dynamic

The unlikely pairing of comedic powerhouse Rebel Wilson and Oscar-winning dramatic star Anne Hathaway for the 2019 film The Hustle created one of Hollywood's most fascinating on-screen duos in recent memory. As of December 2025, the film continues to find new audiences on streaming platforms, proving the enduring appeal of their unique chemistry. This gender-swapped remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels pitted two distinct acting styles—Hathaway's meticulous, trained approach against Wilson's famously wild, improvisational genius—against each other, leading to a dynamic that was, at times, reportedly "stressful" but ultimately brilliant.

The collaboration was more than just a comedy; it was a cultural moment that highlighted the changing landscape of female-led comedies, pushing boundaries and fighting against the industry's ingrained sexism. Here is a deep dive into the true story of their professional relationship, the behind-the-scenes battles, and the lasting legacy of their high-class, low-rent con artist partnership.

Complete Profile: Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway

Understanding the professional backgrounds of these two stars is crucial to appreciating the unique tension and chemistry they brought to The Hustle. They represent two different paths to Hollywood stardom.

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Rebel Wilson: The Improv Maestro

• Birth Name: Melanie Elizabeth Bownds
• Born: March 2, 1980, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Career Highlights: Comedian, actress, writer, and producer. Rose to international fame with Bridesmaids (2011) and solidified her status as a global comedy star in the Pitch Perfect franchise (2012–2017) as 'Fat Amy.'
• Style: Known for her fearless, physical comedy and heavy reliance on improvisation, often rewriting or adding lines on the spot.

Anne Hathaway: The Versatile A-Lister

• Birth Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
• Born: November 12, 1982, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award-winning actress. Major roles include The Princess Diaries (2001), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and her Oscar-winning performance in Les Misérables (2012).
• Style: Celebrated for her versatility and meticulous preparation, often described as a highly disciplined and classically trained performer.

The Culture Clash: Why Anne Hathaway Was "Stressed Out"

The most revealing insight into their on-set dynamic comes directly from Hathaway herself. While promoting The Hustle, Anne Hathaway admitted that working alongside Rebel Wilson's unscripted style was initially a source of stress.

1. The Improvisation vs. The Script

Rebel Wilson, who also served as a producer on the film, is a master of improv comedy. She thrives on spontaneity and often deviates from the written script to find the funniest possible moment. For a classically trained actress like Hathaway, whose process relies on precision and hitting established marks, this was a major adjustment.

Hathaway explained that she was "stressed out" because she felt compelled to keep up with Wilson's constant barrage of new jokes and lines. The challenge was not a lack of respect, but a clash of process: Wilson's method is to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks, while Hathaway prefers a structured approach. Ultimately, this tension became the film’s greatest asset, mirroring their characters’ own rivalry—the high-class Josephine (Hathaway) trying to control the chaos of the low-rent Penny (Wilson).

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2. The "Suspiciously Good" Insults

Another hilarious anecdote from the set centered on the verbal sparring between their characters. Hathaway joked that Wilson was "suspiciously good" at insulting her in different ways, suggesting Wilson had a natural talent for quick-witted, on-the-fly verbal jabs. This ability to ad-lib convincing, funny insults contributed significantly to the film's comedic tone and the believable friction between the two con artists.

The Battle for PG-13: Fighting Misogyny in Comedy

Beyond the on-screen antics, Wilson and Hathaway had to fight a significant battle behind the scenes to ensure The Hustle maintained its intended comedic edge without being unfairly penalized for its female cast.

3. The Double Standard for Risqué Jokes

The original 1988 film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, contained numerous risqué and sexual jokes that were accepted without question. However, when Wilson and Hathaway remade it, they faced resistance from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) during the rating process.

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Rebel Wilson, in particular, had to advocate fiercely to maintain the PG-13 rating. She pointed out that the female-led version was being held to a stricter standard than its male counterpart. The actresses argued that they should be allowed to make the same kind of jokes as their male predecessors without having the film slapped with an R rating simply because the protagonists were women. This successful fight was a powerful statement against the gender-based censorship of comedic content.

4. Wilson's "Dream Come True" and On-Set Banter

Despite the initial process stress, Rebel Wilson consistently described working with Anne Hathaway as a "dream come true." She often uses humor to express her admiration, including a famous red carpet joke where she quipped about "inappropriately touching" Hathaway on set, a common comedic exaggeration reflecting her playful, boundary-pushing persona. This highlights that the professional relationship, though challenging in terms of style, was built on mutual respect and a genuine appreciation for each other's talent. Hathaway, in turn, praised Wilson for bringing a unique energy to the project.

The Legacy of the Female Con Artist Duo

The Hustle was a box office success, grossing over $97 million worldwide, cementing the idea that audiences were hungry for female-led remakes and original stories featuring women as clever, morally ambiguous protagonists.

5. Inspiring a New Wave of Female-Led Comedy

The film’s success contributed to the growing trend of gender-flipped reboots, proving that classic stories can be revitalized by casting women in roles traditionally held by men. The dynamic between Hathaway's sophisticated, high-end con artist and Wilson's chaotic, low-rent hustler provided a fresh take on the mentor-mentee relationship, showcasing the complexity of female relationships outside of romantic or domestic contexts. The film’s enduring popularity on streaming services in late 2025 demonstrates that this narrative—two women teaming up to take down "dirty rotten men"—continues to resonate strongly with modern audiences.

While there are no current, concrete plans for a direct sequel or a new collaboration between the two, both actresses remain at the peak of their careers. Anne Hathaway is involved in highly-anticipated dramatic projects, including a rumored role in Christopher Nolan's mysterious next film, while Rebel Wilson continues her work as a producer and writer, recently starring in projects like Juliet & Romeo. Fans, however, are always holding out hope that the electric, high-low energy of this iconic comedy duo will one day grace the silver screen again.

Related Entities and Topical Authority

• Chris Addison (Director)
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Original Film)
• Steve Martin and Michael Caine (Original Stars)
• Female Scam Artists
• Gender-Swapped Remake
• Universal Pictures
• Alex Sharp (Co-star)
• Improvisational Comedy
• The Devil Wears Prada
• Les Misérables
• Pitch Perfect Franchise
• Bridesmaids
• Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
• PG-13 Rating Controversy
• Hollywood Double Standards
• Jac Schaeffer (Screenwriter)
• Stanley Shapiro (Original Writer)
• Josephine Chesterfield (Hathaway's Character)
• Penny Rust (Wilson's Character)