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

A new movie trailer featuring a seasoned actress and a younger co-star has sparked widespread discussion. Since its release, both actors have shared insights into their electric on-screen connection. Catch a sneak peek of the video and find out what this film has in store.

Netflix has unveiled the trailer for its latest literary romance drama, "Lonely Planet," starring the dynamic duo of Laura Dern and one beloved actor, blending classic and contemporary talent.

Nevertheless, some online users have expressed mixed feelings about featuring a romance storyline centered around a couple with a noticeable age difference. The official synopsis reveals that the story revolves around Katherine (Dern), a novelist seeking fresh inspiration.

She embarks on a journey to a writer's retreat in Morocco, where she encounters a young man. Their meeting soon blossoms into a passionate, life-changing romance.

In an interview, Dern shared that what drew her to "Lonely Planet" was its focus on "the exploration of identity and self-worth within relationships," particularly within the intellectually stimulating world of the literary scene.

"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 continued.

Reflecting on her co-star Liam Hemsworth, Dern mentioned that he quickly became "a buddy and a confidant" during their time in Morocco. She noted their shared desire for honesty and intimacy in relationships, saying it was deeply moving and aligned with her own values.

Dern also added that working with Hemsworth was a joy, describing him as "friggin' hilarious" and admitting that she laughed throughout the entire experience.

In a separate interview, Hemsworth shared similar thoughts, stating that the film's story goes beyond just the romance between two characters. "It's about personal growth, self-discovery and the complexities of relationships," said the actor.

According to the movie star, the characters are relatable and imperfect, as they navigate the beauty and challenges of love against a backdrop that is both visually stunning and culturally vibrant.

The Australian native also described Dern as "incredibly grounded and generous" both as a co-star and friend. He praised her remarkable talent, noting that she is able to elevate every scene with her emotional depth while also fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set.

In turn, Dern shared her favorite memory from the set, and recalled, "Liam feeding me 87 olives and riding on the back of his motorbike." Moreover, she described Hemsworth as "a protective champion and partner" throughout the filming process, adding that her on-screen love interest is "pure magic."

In addition to their on-screen chemistry, Dern and Hemsworth have a 23-year age difference in real life; she is 54, and he is 37. This age gap sparked mixed reactions from viewers, with some expressing their dissatisfaction over their pairing as love interests on screen.

"What is this trend of making Liam Hemsworth the lead for romances with older women who could be his mother?" asked one YouTube user after seeing the trailer for the film.

Someone else questioned, "What is Hollywood's deal with older women dating younger men?" "What an odd pairing! He is 34, she is 57 but he looks more wrinkly. Sorry, is not that this couldn't happen but just doesn't seem real. No chemistry," one critic observed.

Another remarked, "She's old enough to be his mother?" While one individual joked, "Liam Hemsworth was 3 years old when Jurassic Park was released, which starred Laura Dern, who was 26!"

On the other hand, many viewers seem unfazed by the on-screen duo's age gap and are instead captivated by the storyline, with one user commenting, "Looks decent. I like Laura Dern." Another echoed, "This looks great I can't wait to see it, I like [a] love story like this one a lot." As someone else added, "This looks so good."

Although Dern and Hemsworth's age difference has sparked conversation online, it's worth noting that both have previously been married to partners younger than themselves.

In December 2005, Dern tied the knot with musician Ben Harper, who is now 54, and they went on to have two children. However, in October 2010, Harper filed for divorce from the Academy Award-winning actress, citing irreconcilable differences.

Court records revealed that the couple had already been separated since January of that year. Their drawn-out divorce was finalized in September 2013, with Harper requesting that spousal support be denied.

Similar to Dern, who is now a single mother, Hemsworth also experienced the end of his marriage in divorce. Hemsworth married singer and actress Miley Cyrus in December 2018, but just months later, in August, "The Hunger Games" star filed for divorce.

Just 13 months after their wedding, their divorce was finalized. According to court documents, there were no "community property assets or liabilities" during their short marriage, and neither Hemsworth nor Cyrus sought spousal support.

The split was attributed to "irreconcilable differences." Since then, both Hemsworth and Cyrus have moved on with their lives. Hemsworth began dating actress Gabriella Brooks, with the two first seen together in December 2019 during a brunch with his parents in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

In January 2020, a source mentioned that they had been spending a lot of time in Australia together, hinting 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.

Despite the discussions around their age difference, Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth's on-screen pairing in "Lonely Planet" continues to intrigue audiences. Both actors, having navigated past relationships, bring depth and authenticity to their roles, making this film one to watch.