Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson ‘gnawed’ on wood for ‘Verity’ scene
Filmmakers tested different techniques and materials to make the headboard marks look authentic
Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson have opened up about the surprisingly technical process behind one of the most talked-about scenes in Verity, revealing how the production created realistic bite marks on a wooden bed frame without putting the actresses’ teeth at risk.
The actresses discussed the unusual filming process in an interview with Entertainment Weekly while promoting the movie, with co-star Josh Hartnett also recalling how he managed to leave the set while Hathaway and Johnson worked on perfecting the distinctive detail.
Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller, Verity follows Lowen Ashleigh, played by Johnson, as she becomes entangled in the troubled life of celebrated writer Verity Crawford, portrayed by Hathaway, and her husband Jeremy, played by Hartnett.
One of the novel’s memorable details involves bite marks on the headboard of Verity and Jeremy’s bed. The marks are later recreated by Lowen after she becomes involved with Jeremy, turning the seemingly small detail into an important visual element of the story.
Hathaway explained that bringing the scene to life required considerably more preparation than audiences might expect. She said she and director Michael Showalter held several discussions about how the biting sequence could realistically be filmed, with the director even demonstrating different techniques for creating convincing marks.
The production team also faced an unusual technical challenge: finding wood that looked authentic enough to resemble a real bed while remaining soft enough for the actresses to bite safely.
Johnson said her primary concern was making the scene appear convincing while protecting her teeth. The filmmakers eventually settled on soft wood that allowed the actresses to create the required marks without risking dental injuries.
Hartnett recalled seeing different versions of the headboard after Hathaway and Johnson had worked on them. He joked that while his co-stars were busy “gnawing” on the wood, he was able to leave the set and go home.
Showalter described the finished detail as “kinky,” while Hathaway explained that the filmmakers also had to bring an element of sensuality to a scene that presented an unusual practical challenge.
Hoover also reflected on the unexpected significance of the bite marks. The author said that when she originally included the detail in her novel, she had no idea it would become such a memorable part of the story or eventually appear in promotional merchandise connected to the film.
Verity, starring Hathaway, Johnson and Hartnett, is directed by Showalter and adapts Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller for the big screen. The film is currently playing in cinemas.