Anne Hathaway proposes R ratings for films featuring dog deaths

During a press tour for her new film, ‘The End of Oak Street’, actress Anne Hathaway suggested that movies featuring the death of a dog should automatically receive an R rating. In an interview with Complex, Hathaway stated that the emotional impact of such scenes warrants stricter age classification, regardless of whether the film contains other violence or profanity. She noted that audiences often appear traumatized by such depictions, citing the ‘John Wick’ franchise as a primary example of this collective anxiety.

Hathaway addressed fan concerns regarding the fate of Starbuck, the Australian cattle dog in ‘The End of Oak Street’, noting that while the film breaks certain rules, she could not confirm the animal's survival. The film, which stars Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, follows a family transported to a prehistoric world.

Separately, Hathaway confirmed at the D23 2026 event that development is progressing for ‘The Princess Diaries 3’. She emphasized that Disney is working hard to ensure the sequel meets the expectations of its family audience, noting that the long wait since the second installment is due to the studio’s commitment to getting the project right.