Robinne Lee, known for her role in “Fifty Shades Darker,” has made a remarkable career pivot with her novel “The Idea of You.” The story follows a divorced mother and art gallery owner in L.A. who falls in love with a 20-year-old lead singer of a band, challenging societal notions of age and sexuality.
Fast forward to 2024, and “The Idea of You” has become a bestseller, surging in popularity during the pandemic and now adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. The journey from book to screen has been a long one for Lee, who reflects on the process with pride and gratitude.
Gabrielle Union, a key figure in bringing the film to life, shares her experience of recognizing the potential in Lee’s story and championing it through production. The success of “The Idea of You” as the top streaming movie on Prime Video speaks to the appetite for stories about women over a certain age owning their sexuality and agency.
Lee and Union discuss the impact of the film on Hollywood, challenging stereotypes and providing opportunities for actresses to portray complex, multilayered characters. The representation of women over 40 in roles that go beyond traditional stereotypes is a significant step forward in diversifying narratives in the industry.
As the film garners acclaim and attention, Lee and Union emphasize the importance of supporting and uplifting marginalized voices in the entertainment industry. Their collaboration on “The Idea of You” serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring creators and artists, showcasing the power of storytelling to inspire and empower audiences of all backgrounds.