Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson reveal how they filmed 'Verity' infamous bite-mark scene

In Colleen Hoover’s novel and its film adaptation, Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway, leaves bite marks on the headboard during an intimate encounter with her husband Jeremy, portrayed by Hartnett. Later, Lowen Ashleigh, played by Johnson, makes her own marks on the same headboard as she becomes involved with Jeremy.

Hathaway said the detail required considerably more preparation than audiences might expect. She and director Michael Showalter had multiple discussions about how the biting would work, with Showalter even demonstrating different ways to create the marks.

The production also had to find the right type of wood. Hathaway explained that the material needed to look like a genuine bed while still being soft enough for the actors to bite. Johnson, meanwhile, said her main concern was making the scene convincing without damaging her teeth.

The production ultimately used soft wood to make the sequence possible. Hartnett recalled seeing different versions of the headboard with various bite marks after Hathaway and Johnson had worked on them. He joked that while the actresses were busy “gnawing” on wood, he was able to go home.

Director Michael Showalter described the finished detail as “kinky”, while Hathaway said the production had to introduce a sense of sensuality to the scene despite the unusual practical challenge of biting a wooden headboard. Hoover also reflected on the unexpected importance of the detail.

She said that when she originally wrote the bite marks into the book, she had no idea the moment would become such a memorable part of the story or eventually make its way into the film’s promotional merchandise. Verity, starring Hathaway, Johnson and Hartnett, is now playing in cinemas.

The film is directed by Showalter and adapts Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller for the big screen.