Anne Hathaway, seeking to escape creative repetition and typecasting, discovered inspiration in Ben Wheatley's unconventional 2013 film 'A Field in England' after attending a screening. Immediately impressed, she instructed her agents to locate comparable projects, ultimately leading her to 'Colossal,' wherein she portrays a journalist whose personal struggles become mysteriously linked to a monster's rampage through Seoul—a hybrid work combining kaiju spectacle, psychological drama, and dark comedy.

'A Field in England,' a Civil War narrative following soldiers on a cryptic quest whilst under an alchemist's influence, was produced for £300,000 yet underperformed commercially. The film nevertheless garnered strong critical reception, establishing director Wheatley and writer Jump's artistic reputation. Hathaway has since credited the indie production with rescuing her from creative stagnation, highlighting how small-budget experimental films can inspire established performers to pursue more audacious and genre-defying work.