Anne Hathaway has built a career defined by versatility, moving from romantic comedies to intense dramas with ease. Yet one aspect of her talent often receives less attention: her strong and expressive singing voice.
That ability now takes center stage in the upcoming film “Mother Mary,” where Hathaway portrays a global pop star navigating a complicated moment in her career.
The project introduces audiences to a new side of the Academy Award–winning actor. Along with the film itself, an original soundtrack accompanies the story, giving Hathaway the chance to perform songs created specifically for the character she portrays.
The first track from that soundtrack, “Burial,” has officially arrived on major streaming platforms, offering an early glimpse of the film’s musical identity.
“Burial” Sets the Musical Tone of “Mother Mary”
The debut single from the film’s soundtrack reflects a polished synth-pop style that matches the personality of the movie’s fictional pop icon. The song was written by singer and songwriter Charli XCX, with production by Jack Antonoff, the frontman of Bleachers, and George Daniel of The 1975.
This collaboration brings together several prominent names in pop, shaping the sound of the film’s central performer. The character is described as blending the dramatic style of Lady Gaga with the wide-reaching appeal often associated with Taylor Swift.
“Burial” acts as an introduction, offering a preview of the fictional artist’s sound before the film’s release.
Storyline of “Mother Mary”
Produced by A24 and directed by David Lowery, the film focuses on a reunion at a turning point in a pop star’s life. Hathaway plays the lead, preparing for a return after a difficult period.
She reconnects with a former costume designer and close friend, played by Michaela Coel. Their meeting unfolds the night before the comeback show, filled with tension and reflection.
The cast includes Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Alba Baptista, Isaura Barbé-Brown, and Sian Clifford. FKA Twigs contributes both on screen and musically.
Anne Hathaway’s History With Musical Roles
While known for drama and comedy, Hathaway has taken on musical roles before, including “Ella Enchanted,” “Rio,” and “Les Misérables.”
Those experiences helped prepare her for “Mother Mary,” though she has described the role as uniquely demanding.
During an interview with Vogue, Hathaway explained the challenge behind bringing the role to life.
“What struck me right away, reading the script, is that you can’t ‘perform’ Mother Mary,” she said. “If I got the part, I would have to become material David could craft with.”
A Role That Required Starting Over
Taking on the role pushed Hathaway outside her usual process. She described needing to approach the work as if she were starting from scratch.
“I had to submit to being a beginner,” Hathaway said. “The humility of that—showing up every day knowing you’re going to suck. And it has to be okay. You’re not ‘bad.’ You’re just a beginner.”
She explained that the shift required letting go of long-established habits.
“Getting to that mindset—I had to shed some things that were hard to shed,” she said. “It was welcome. But it was hard, the way transformational experiences can be hard.”
Release Dates for “Mother Mary” and Its Soundtrack
“Mother Mary” will open in select U.S. theaters on April 17, alongside the release of its soundtrack, which includes seven original songs.
The film will expand nationwide shortly after, with a wider release set for April 24.
The project marks a new creative direction for Hathaway, placing music at the center. The single “Burial,” written by Charli XCX and produced by Jack Antonoff and George Daniel, offers an early look at the film’s synth-pop tone.
With its mix of music, storytelling, and a strong ensemble cast, the film arrives with a distinct identity ahead of its theatrical debut.