(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jake Gyllenhaal has joked he was the 45th actor to be offered the lead role in Love and Other Drugs.

The 30-year-old actor stars opposite Anne Hathaway in the comedy drama, which follows the romantic relationship between free-spirited Maggie and pharmaceutical sales rep Jamie. The movie features several racy sex scenes and heartthrob Jake who previously worked with Anne on Brokeback Mountain - has teased that the prospect of seeing Anne nude deterred other actors.

It was out of pity and I was, like, the 45th actor to be offered the role, Jake laughed to Cover Media. After everyone heard they had to be naked with Annie they just started turning it down... just kidding.

It was just a lot of different things [that drew me to it]. Ive always wanted to get naked in a movie with Annie again and I felt like this was an opportunity to help her so...

Jake went on to reveal he was thrilled to be directed by Edward Zwick.

Edwards previous movies include The Last Samurai, Defiance and Blood Diamond and Jake has confessed he has spent years trying to collaborate with the filmmaker.

Essentially knowing Ed was at the helm was the biggest thing, he explained. I have wanted to work with him over and over him again and auditioned for his movies many, many times. (C) Cover Media