Background performers on Little Five, a film co-produced by Anne Hathaway's Somewhere Pictures and Indiana-based Pigasus Pictures, have alleged exhausting summer filming conditions, poor catering and problems receiving wages. Pigasus was the lead production company, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.
'It was a disaster': Anne Hathaway-produced film descended into chaos over heat exhaustion, 'prison' food and unpaid wages, insiders claim https://t.co/2b2NGqViEd pic.twitter.com/AikcZtQWSN
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) November 7, 2026
The allegations were detailed in a Daily Mail report circulating in November 2026. Two background performers described their experiences on the production, which tells the story of the first women's Little 500 bicycle race at Indiana University. Producer Zachary Spicer disputed claims that workers were still owed money and said responsibility for the production's day-to-day operations rested with him.
Heat and Long Days on 'Little Five' Shoot
Filming was scheduled in Bloomington, Indiana, from 19 July to 12 August 2026, although some casting notices listed work through 15 August. Scenes were shot in the area around the university; the production was not confined to the campus. Performers described extended periods outdoors while recreating the race and wearing clothing intended for a cooler season.
One performer said temperatures reached 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 29-32 degrees Celsius), and alleged that some participants experienced heat exhaustion. Another claimed they had a mild episode and missed a subsequent workday.
Performers also described staff offering water, sunscreen, umbrellas, breaks, electrolyte drinks, and medical assistance. Spicer said the production provided cooling tents, shaded areas, medical personnel, and emergency vehicles. The competing descriptions concern whether those measures were sufficient during the demanding shoot.
The Daily Mail also reported a concern raised about another background performer. Spicer said an incident had been reported to the production, the individual was removed, and additional security measures followed. His account did not independently confirm the conduct alleged by other performers.
Food Complaints and Delayed Payments
One performer criticised the catering, saying chicken and rice appeared repeatedly and comparing the meals to prison food. Another performer said she was due $1,025 (£767.60) for a week's work. She reported receiving the full amount in delayed, late installments, with the final payment arriving in October.
A second performer said approximately $200 (£149.77) remained unpaid when they spoke to the newspaper. Spicer disputed the broader allegation of outstanding wages, saying he had reviewed the records and that all cast, crew and background performers had been paid.
Three wage claims linked to work on the production, including filming in Chicago, were reportedly filed with the Illinois Department of Labor. Workers sought $2,950 (£2,209), $4,015.12 (£3,006.82) and $1,369.80 (£1,025.81), a combined $8,334.92 (£6,241.81). Those are claimed amounts, not findings that the production owes the money. Employers can dispute wage claims, and their current status has not been independently confirmed.
Producer Addresses Payroll Problems
Spicer had acknowledged a payroll problem in September, apologising to those affected and saying it had been resolved. In his later response, he maintained that everyone had been paid and that the production remained in good standing with its unions.
He said the film used more than 10,000 background participants and attributed some payroll verification delays to the scale of the crowd scenes and the need to check records for performers working multiple days.
Somewhere Pictures, operating since May 2024, partnered with Pigasus on the film. Spicer said operational and financial responsibilities were his, rather than Hathaway's. One performer recalled a recorded message in which Hathaway thanked background participants; neither of the performers quoted said they personally saw her visit the set.
The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Hathaway and Somewhere Pictures but had received no response when its report was published.
