On why Kate Bosworth was excited to play Heidi and what drew her to the role, the actress said, "Playing Heidi was such a true parallel to my own life. That was such a big draw for me in that I've been a stepmom for almost 11 years to a beautiful, young — well, she's still young, but she's a young woman now. She's 24 years old."
Given that so many film depictions of stepmoms hinge on animosity with the ex-wife and sometimes even the kid, it was nice for Bosworth to show those healthy dynamics that she has in her own life on screen. "For example, her father and I are no longer together, but I will always, always, always be her stepmother. She even said, 'I have two moms and a dad, and I was raised by a whole group of amazing people,'" Bosworth recalled. "I feel like there [are] so many blended families today. It's important to impart the message of raising someone with love and to make sure that you're keeping your eyes on the kid and not yourself, really." And Heidi does just that for Auden. She helps her break out of her shell, find new friends, and explore a different side of herself without being overbearing and pushy.
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