Anne Hathaway quit Knocked Up over graphic birth scene

Actor Seth Rogen has revealed that Anne Hathaway departed the 2007 comedy "Knocked Up" during its development due to concerns over a graphic birthing scene. Rogen made the comments during a recent appearance on "The A24 Podcast" with Olivia Wilde, who had also auditioned for the film.

According to Rogen, Hathaway had begun rehearsals for the project before deciding to leave. He recalled being told that her primary objection was to a planned "crowning" sequence, the moment in childbirth when a baby's head becomes visible. Rogen stated that Hathaway did not want the moment to be visually represented on screen, feeling it was "not her brand," even though the shot would have used a prosthetic.

Rogen acknowledged there could have been multiple reasons for her exit but said the crowning scene was the explanation given at the time. He expressed respect for her decision, noting she had a sense the role was not for her and that history has shown her judgment to be sound. Katherine Heigl was subsequently cast in the lead role of Alison, a woman whose one-night stand with Rogen's character results in an unexpected pregnancy. Rogen praised Heigl's performance, calling her "great."