Academy Award-winning actor Anne Hathaway revealed that her physician strictly advised her against completing the intense YouTube spicy-wing gauntlet on “Hot Ones” while pregnant, citing risks that extreme spice consumption could potentially induce early labor. The disclosure came to light during the actor’s promotional tour for the upcoming screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel “Verity”.
Speaking on an episode of the “Talk of the Townsends” podcast, Hathaway explained that she had initially planned to participate in the full-scale viral interview challenge as an ideal promotional tie-in for the thriller. However, her changing medical circumstances required a sudden pivot during production.
Filming Adjustments and Mock Wings
While shooting the interview sequence for the film—which features guest appearances by prominent media figures including Gayle King and Alex Cooper—Hathaway executed the opening phase of the challenge on camera.
According to Toy-People, Hathaway consumed the first three spicy wings for real before switching over to dummy or prop wings for the remainder of the segment. The production team spent considerable time debating whether she should attempt the full 10-wing gauntlet before arriving at a safe compromise that accommodated her pregnancy.
Hathaway compared the unique on-screen culinary challenge to an actor experiencing their first-ever kiss while filming a dramatic scene, noting that such intense physical milestones are traditionally reserved for authentic real-life experiences rather than simulated character arcs.
Promotional Context and Upcoming Release
The health warning underscores the intense physical demands placed on high-profile actors navigating relentless promotional schedules. Hathaway has maintained a massive professional workload, with “Verity” marking her fifth major film project of the year following heavy-hitting roles in projects such as “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “The Odyssey”.
Directed by Michael Showalter, “Verity” is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on October 2, 2026. While Hathaway successfully navigated the press junket despite her physical restrictions, she confirmed that she has still not completed the full gauntlet hosted by Sean Evans, leaving open the possibility of a future attempt next year.