Apr 18, 2026 2:30pm PT

Creating a Fictional Pop Diva: How the ‘Mother Mary’ Artisans Crafted Anne Hathaway’s Musical Alter Ego

Payton Turkeltaub

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Payton Turkeltaub

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Creating a Fictional Pop Diva: How the ‘Mother Mary’ Artisans Crafted Anne Hathaway’s Musical Alter Ego

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Courtesy of A24

How do you create a pop star?

That was the question “Mother Mary” director David Lowery tasked the film’s artisans — including choreographer Dani Vitale, director of photography Rina Yang and costume designer Bina Daigeler — with figuring out as they collaborated to construct the titular diva, Mother Mary.

“Mother Mary,” in select theaters now, introduces the new icon (played by Anne Hathaway) to the ever-growing pantheon of fictional pop stars. In the movie, Mother Mary is presented as one who has defined musical genres, captivated audiences and crafted her own near-mythological persona over the decades she’s been performing. But Lowery’s thriller juxtaposes the artist’s massive arena tours with a haunting depiction of her estranged relationship with former costume designer and best friend, Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel).

Creating a Fictional Pop Diva: How the 'Mother Mary' Artisans Crafted Anne Hathaway's Musical Alter Ego