Mark Wahlberg Demands An Absurd $900K “Anne Hathaway Clause” To Star In “Silver Linings Playbook”

Mark Wahlberg Demands An Absurd $900K “Anne Hathaway Clause” To Star In “Silver Linings Playbook”

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While it is common for actors to negotiate specific clauses in their contracts, the "Anne Hathaway Clause" has raised eyebrows in the industry.

In the realm of filmmaking, a movie’s casting choices may make or destroy it in unanticipated ways determining its future. In the instance of the highly praised comedy-drama “Silver Linings Playbook,” a completely different director and writer combination were virtually responsible for the film.

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Initially, Anne Hathaway and Mark Wahlberg were slated to play Tiffany and Pat, respectively. However, several circumstances caused a significant change in the cast. Hathaway was David O. Russell’s initial choice for the part of Tiffany because of her broad range as an actress and her engaging performances. 

On the other hand, Pat was going to be portrayed by Wahlberg, who has a long-standing friendship with Russell. With Wahlberg appearing in numerous of Russell’s productions, their working relationship had grown over the years, and their friendship looked unbreakable.

However, when Hathaway decided to leave the “Silver Linings Playbook,” issues started to arise. Bradley Cooper eventually filled the crucial position when Russell was forced to change course and find an appropriate replacement. This choice essentially removed Wahlberg from the movie because he was said to have had a condition attached that ultimately came to be known as the “Anne Hathaway Clause.”

According to sources acquired by Business Insider, if Hathaway were to drop out of the movie, Wahlberg’s contract reportedly provided that he would earn a substantial compensation rise of $900,000. It was a preventative move on Wahlberg’s side that seemed to be intended to protect his own interests in the event that Hathaway’s dedication to the project faded.

mark wahlberg anne hathaway

Unfortunately for Wahlberg, Hathaway did actually drop out of the movie, but by that point, Russell had already chosen Cooper to portray her on-screen love interest. Wahlberg’s appeal for a financial windfall was thus irrelevant.

Although Hathaway’s exit from “Silver Linings Playbook” was not without its own difficulties, Russell’s choice to cast Cooper may have appeared to be a smart one in hindsight. Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein said that the main cause of Hathaway’s departure was differences over ideas in an interview with Howard Stern in 2014. 

Weinstein would not go into specifics, but he did state that Hathaway was his first choice for the part and that he admired her greatly. All parties involved found success in their own right despite the early setbacks and the ensuing consequences.

silver linings playbook

In “Les Misérables,” Hathaway went on to provide a standout performance, winning an Oscar for the role. With Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as its new main actors, “Silver Linings Playbook” flourished, garnering critical praise and Lawrence’s first Academy Award.

Apart from the contentious “Anne Hathaway Clause,” another factor contributed to Wahlberg’s departure from the project—scheduling conflicts. At the time, he decided to put his commitment to “Broken City” above reconnecting with Russell as he had already agreed to star in Albert Hughes’ film, which coincided with the filming of “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Despite the setback, Wahlberg and Russell had previously collaborated on three notable projects, including “Three Kings,” “I Heart Huckabees,” and “The Fighter,” the latter of which received both critical praise and Oscar consideration. 

The “Silver Linings Playbook” fiasco may have put a strain on their relationship, but the two accomplished actors moved on with their unique careers in the film business, leaving their individual imprints on Hollywood.

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