Seth Rogen has revealed that Anne Hathaway was originally cast to play Alison in the 2007 comedy Knocked Up before ultimately leaving the project. According to Rogen, Hathaway decided to step away after expressing concerns about a graphic childbirth scene featured in the film.

Speaking on The A24 Podcast with Olivia Wilde, Rogen recalled that Hathaway exited the production before filming got underway. Wilde mentioned a long-standing rumor that the decision centered on the movie’s “crowning” scene, and Rogen said that was the explanation he remembered being given.

The Scene That Sparked Concern

Rogen explained that Hathaway was reportedly uncomfortable with the scene’s realistic depiction of childbirth, even though it would not have involved her personally filming the sequence. He said she felt the moment did not align with the type of projects she wanted to be associated with at that stage of her career.

The actor also acknowledged that there may have been other reasons behind Hathaway’s departure, noting that actors sometimes realize during rehearsals that a role simply is not the right fit. He added that he could only speak to what he had been told at the time.

Katherine Heigl Took the Role

Following Hathaway’s exit, Katherine Heigl was cast as Alison opposite Rogen’s character, Ben Stone. The film went on to become a commercial success and helped establish Heigl as a major movie star beyond her television role on Grey’s Anatomy.

Rogen praised Heigl’s performance, saying she was “great” in the role. However, Heigl later shared mixed feelings about the film, telling Vanity Fair in 2008 that she felt some aspects of the story portrayed women as overly critical while depicting men as carefree and lovable.

Looking Back Nearly Two Decades Later

Since Knocked Up was released, both actresses have enjoyed successful careers. Hathaway went on to star in acclaimed films including The Devil Wears Prada, The Dark Knight Rises, Les Misérables, and Interstellar, earning an Academy Award for her performance in Les Misérables.

Rogen joked during the podcast that Hathaway “was probably right” to follow her instincts, adding that she has consistently made smart career decisions over the years. The story offers fans a fascinating glimpse into how one casting change helped shape one of the most memorable comedy films of the 2000s.