Celebrities

Laura Dern’s On-Screen Romance with Actor 23 Years Her Junior Sparks Controversy – Details & Video

There has been a lot of talk about a new movie trailer that stars a younger co-star and an experienced actress. Both stars have discussed their electric on-screen chemistry since the film’s release. Watch the trailer to get a taste of what this movie is about.

The trailer for Netflix’s newest literary romantic drama, “Lonely Planet,” which stars Laura Dern and a well-liked actor who combines traditional and modern talent, has been released.

However, there have been conflicting reactions from certain internet users regarding the inclusion of a romantic plot that revolves around a couple who clearly differ in age. According to the official synopsis, Katherine (Dern), an author looking for new ideas, is at the center of the narrative.

She travels to Morocco to a writer’s retreat, where she meets a young man. Their encounter quickly develops into a passionate, profoundly transformative romance.

The focus of “Lonely Planet” on “the exploration of identity and self-worth within relationships,” particularly within the intellectually engaging milieu of the literary scene, is what initially captivated Dern, the actress revealed in an interview.

“The dynamic between the younger man and the older, established writer intrigued me because it’s not just about romance — it’s about finding someone who truly sees and understands you, which is something deeply human and relatable,” she said.

Dern reminisced about her co-star Liam Hemsworth, saying that during their time in Morocco, he rapidly turned into “a buddy and a confidant”. She said it was quite touching and in line with her own principles that they both desired honesty and intimacy in relationships.

Working with Hemsworth was a pleasure, Dern continued, calling him “friggin’ hilarious” and acknowledging that she laughed the entire time.

Hemsworth expressed a similar opinion in a different interview, saying that the movie’s plot encompasses more than just the romance between two characters. “It’s about personal growth, self-discovery and the complexities of relationships,” the actor stated.

The movie actress claims that the characters are realistic and flawed as they deal with the difficulties and beauty of love in front of an exquisitely shot and vibrantly culturally diverse background.

The movie actress claims that the characters are realistic and flawed as they deal with the difficulties and beauty of love in front of an exquisitely shot and vibrantly culturally diverse background.

The native of Australia added that Dern was “incredibly grounded and generous” as a friend and co-star. He lauded her extraordinary talent, pointing out that she not only creates a helpful and cooperative environment on set but also uses her emotional depth to enrich every scene.

Dern gave her own version of the set recollection, stating, “Liam feeding me 87 olives and riding on the back of his motorbike.” She also mentioned how Hemsworth was “a protective champion and partner” during the production, calling her on-screen love interest “pure magic.”

Aside from their on-screen connection, Dern and Hemsworth are 23 years apart in age—she is 54 and he is 37—in real life. Viewers’ reactions to this age difference were divided, with some expressing discontent with their on-screen romance.

After watching the movie’s trailer, a YouTube commenter questioned, “What is this trend of making Liam Hemsworth the lead for romances with older women who could be his mother?”

“What is Hollywood’s deal with older women dating younger men?” inquired another person. “What a strange combination! Though she is 57, he appears more wrinkled at 34. I apologize, but this doesn’t sound plausible. It’s not that it couldn’t happen. “No chemistry,” a reviewer said.

“She’s old enough to be his mother?” said someone else. “Liam Hemsworth was 3 years old when Jurassic Park, which starred Laura Dern, who was 26!” joked one person.

Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern visit SiriusXM Studios on September 30, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

However, many viewers don’t appear to mind the age difference between the on-screen couple; one user even commented, saying, “Looks decent.” Instead, they seem engrossed in the plot. Laura Dern is someone I like.” Another replied, “This looks great I can’t wait to see it, I like [a] love story like this one a lot.” Another person said, “This looks so good.”

Despite the fact that Dern and Hemsworth’s age gap has generated discussion on social media, it’s important to remember that both have married younger spouses in the past.

Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth visit SiriusXM Studios on September 30, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Dern married 54-year-old musician Ben Harper in December 2005, and the couple has two children together. But citing irreconcilable differences, Harper filed for divorce from the Academy Award–winning actress in October 2010.

The couple had already been split up since January of that year, according to court documents. After a protracted legal battle, their divorce was finally formalized in September 2013, and Harper asked that spousal support be refused.

Laura Dern and Ben Harper at the 32nd Kennedy Center Honors on December 6, 2009, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

Like Dern, who is currently raising her children alone, Hemsworth also went through a divorce. The “Hunger Games” star filed for divorce in August, just a few months after Hemsworth wed singer and actress Miley Cyrus in December 2018.

After just 13 months of marriage, they officially divorced. No “community property assets or liabilities” existed during their brief marriage, according to court records, and neither Hemsworth nor Cyrus requested spousal support.

The reason given for the divorce was “irreconcilable differences.” Hemsworth and Cyrus have both moved on with their lives since then. Actress Gabriella Brooks and Hemsworth started dating in December 2019 when the two went to brunch in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, with his parents.

They had been spending a lot of time together in Australia, according to a source who stated in January 2020 that their relationship was “getting serious.” The couple made their relationship Instagram official in June 2021 when Liam posted a photo featuring himself with Brooks, among others, at the Gold Dinner 2021 event in Sydney.

Viewers are still drawn to Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth’s on-screen duo in “Lonely Planet” even with the debates around their age gap. This movie is worth seeing because both actors, who have experienced difficult relationships in the past, give their parts nuance and realism.