On July 7, 2025, Vogue sent shockwaves through the global music and film communities with its cover story on Anne Hathaway, revealing that her new role in the film Mother Mary, directed by David Lowery, draws inspiration from two iconic music superstars: Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. With the involvement of music producer Jack Antonoff—Swift’s longtime collaborator—and pop star Charli XCX, this project not only promises an emotionally charged cinematic experience but also sparks speculation about a potentially explosive collaboration between Hathaway and Swift. Could this be the prelude to a world-shaking partnership that fans are eagerly anticipating?

Anne Hathaway and the “Gaga-Taylor Swift Hybrid” Role

In Mother Mary, Anne Hathaway portrays a pop star named Mother Mary, described as “a blend of Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.” This is a challenging role, marking a turning point in Hathaway’s career—a journey that has seen her transform from a princess in The Princess Diaries to Fantine in Les Misérables, earning her an Oscar. According to Vogue, Hathaway underwent nearly two years of daily dance training, sometimes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., alongside intensive vocal lessons to perform original songs composed by Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX.

The character Mother Mary is a pop diva grappling with an existential crisis, choosing to flee her tour to reconnect with an old friend—a fashion designer played by Michaela Coel—who helped shape her public persona. This storyline echoes emotionally charged phases in Taylor Swift’s career, particularly moments when she faced public controversies and sought to redefine herself through albums like Reputation or Folklore. The fusion of Lady Gaga’s theatrical intensity and Taylor Swift’s emotive storytelling creates a complex character, requiring Hathaway to “step out of herself” to fully embody the role.

Hathaway shared with Vogue that this role couldn’t just be a performance—she had to become the “raw material” for Lowery to mold. “I had to learn to accept that I’d be terrible at first. That humility was really hard,” she admitted. The grueling preparation process allowed Hathaway to uncover new facets of her abilities, including learning to breathe deeply, something she realized her body had been “locked against” for years.

Taylor Swift: An Ever-Living Source of Inspiration

This isn’t the first time Taylor Swift has inspired a film project. Before Mother Mary, The Idea of You (2024) producer Cathy Schulman revealed that she cast Anne Hathaway in the lead role, inspired by Swift, particularly the lyric from Lavender Haze: “the only kind of girl they see is a one-night or a wife.” Schulman was captivated by Swift’s openness with her fans and her ability to transform personal experiences into powerful musical narratives.

In the context of Mother Mary, Taylor Swift’s influence is further amplified through the involvement of Jack Antonoff, who has co-produced many of Swift’s iconic albums, including 1989, Lover, and Midnights. Antonoff, alongside Charli XCX, crafted original songs for the film, drawing inspiration from Hathaway’s bold and emotive dance movements on set. Charli XCX described Hathaway’s choreography as “vivid, intense, and daring,” shaping the sonic identity of Mother Mary.

Antonoff’s presence is more than a coincidence—it’s a bridge between Swift’s musical world and Hathaway’s cinematic one. With his experience creating deeply personal hits for Swift, Antonoff seems to have infused Mother Mary with the storytelling spirit that defines Swift’s work, crafting a character who is both a global pop icon and vulnerably human.

Could There Be a Direct Collaboration Between Swift and Hathaway?

The biggest question on fans’ minds is whether Taylor Swift will directly participate in Mother Mary or even collaborate with Anne Hathaway on a future project. As of now, no official information confirms Swift’s involvement in the film, but the idea of a partnership between these two stars has set social media ablaze. One X user wrote, “Anne, Gaga, and Taylor in the same story? This is the gift we don’t deserve!”

With over 90 million Instagram followers and 88 million on X, Swift’s cultural influence is undeniable. Her collaborations, from music with artists like Lana Del Rey and Bon Iver to partnerships with fashion brands or beverage companies, consistently generate massive buzz, boosting sales and streaming by up to 75%, according to Nielsen Music. A collaboration with Hathaway—a globally captivating film star—could create a cultural phenomenon, spanning not just film but also music and fashion.

Moreover, Mother Mary is produced by A24, a studio renowned for its artistic masterpieces like Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All At Once. With a stellar supporting cast including Hunter Schafer, Jessica Brown Findlay, and FKA Twigs, alongside music from Antonoff and Charli XCX, the film has already been dubbed a “music lover’s dream” online. If Swift were to join, even with a cameo or a soundtrack contribution, the film could become a defining cultural milestone.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the idea of a Swift-Hathaway collaboration is thrilling, there are challenges to consider. Swift is currently occupied with personal projects, including her ongoing mission to reclaim ownership of her original master recordings and preparations for the release of Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version), slated for 2026. Additionally, she’s navigating public drama, such as a legal dispute involving her former friend Blake Lively, which has led her to limit appearances at major events like the 2025 American Music Awards.

Meanwhile, Hathaway’s schedule is equally packed with major projects, including The Devil Wears Prada 2, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and Verity, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel. However, the shared creative spirit and dedication to their craft could lay the groundwork for a future collaboration, if not in Mother Mary, then in another project down the line.

Conclusion: A Dream Worth Waiting For

Mother Mary is more than a film—it’s a convergence of music, fashion, and cinema, with Taylor Swift as one of its core inspirations. Anne Hathaway’s role promises to offer a fresh perspective on the life of a pop star, while paying homage to the legacies of Swift and Gaga. Though there’s no concrete evidence of a direct collaboration yet, the prospect of Swift and Hathaway joining forces is enough to keep fans worldwide on the edge of their seats.

When Mother Mary premieres, we may witness not only Hathaway’s remarkable transformation but also a piece of Taylor Swift’s spirit—the artist who has inspired millions through her music and story. And who knows? In the near future, the dream of a “world-shaking” collaboration between these two icons might just become reality.