Nicholas Galitzine, known for his role in “The Idea of You,” recently shared insights into his immediate connection with co-star Anne Hathaway. Portraying musician Hayes Campbell, who falls for Anne’s character Solène Marchand, 16 years his senior, Galitzine discussed how their chemistry became apparent from the outset.

In real life, the 29-year-old Red, White & Royal Blue actor (L) and the 41-year-old Oscar winner (R) have a 12-year age gap, but their characters Hayes Campbell and Solène Marchand have a 16-year age gap in the adaptation of Robinne Lee's 2017 novel

During a recent appearance at SXSW, Galitzine revealed the transformative experience of their chemistry test. He described the usual apprehension actors feel in such situations, yet emphasized the openness that characterized their interaction. Galitzine reflected on leaving the session with a sense of pride in their collaborative effort, regardless of the outcome.

Further elaborating on the chemistry test, Galitzine recounted an intriguing request: each actor was asked to propose a song to convince Solène to dance with Hayes. Despite initial intimidation, Galitzine noted a remarkable connection with Hathaway, describing their interaction as almost spiritual, marked by shared humor and ease.

Nicholas recalled during the post-screening Q&A Saturday at SXSW: 'Someone came up with this idea that the actors doing this chemistry test should bring a song that they wanted to use essentially to convince Soléne to get up and dance with him. And again, [for] someone like me, who is not a dancer, this was incredibly intimidating'

“The Idea of You” revolves around a May-December romance between Solène and a young musician, set against the backdrop of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Galitzine shared anecdotes from the set, including shooting a swimming scene in freezing temperatures, where he and Hathaway found warmth in each other’s company.

Galitzine continued: 'But in all seriousness, I remember - these rooms for actors they can be extremely intimidating at times and extremely unnatural in a lot of ways - but there was something almost spiritual that kind of happened there where I felt this immediate connection to Annie, and we had a simpatico and a shared sense of humor and it was just very easy'

Hathaway, also a producer on the project, echoed Galitzine’s sentiments, expressing confidence in their partnership from that moment onwards. The pair’s camaraderie extended beyond the screen, evident in their warm embrace outside the Paramount Theater.

Hathaway - who was also a producer - recalled: 'At at one point we just looked at each other and we were holding on to each other for dear life for warmth. From that moment on - till the last moment some 20 hours later - I just looked at him and I was like, "I am in good hands on this one. I've got a great partner. We could not have landed better." And I still feel that way'

In real life, Anne has two sons - Jonathan, turning 8 next Sunday; and Jack, 4 - from her 11-year marriage to James Banks Design co-creator Adam Shulman

In real life, Hathaway balances her career with motherhood, having two sons from her marriage to Adam Shulman. Meanwhile, Galitzine continues to pursue diverse roles, including portraying George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, in the period drama “Mary & George” premiering soon on Starz.