Kate Hudson Shares the Role She Decided Not to Take and Why It Still Weighs on Her
Kate Hudson.
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Hudson Reflects on Iconic Role Turned Down
Kate Hudson has revealed details about her decision to decline the role of Mary Jane in the 2002 film Spider-Man, a part that ultimately went to Kirsten Dunst.
During a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Hudson confirmed the long-speculated choice. When asked if she regretted the decision, she shared, “You know, it’s so funny. When people say these things, it doesn’t feel good to talk about it, because the people who are in the movie are the right people, and your circumstances in life happen the way they happen. But yes, I did.” She added, "And now that I look back, it’s one of those things where I’m like, ‘You know, that would’ve been nice to be in the Spider-Man movie.’"
Dunst starred as Peter Parker’s love interest opposite Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man (2002), as well as its sequels, Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007).
Hudson’s choice was influenced by her desire to work on another film, Four Feathers, in which she acted alongside the late Heath Ledger. Reflecting on that decision, Hudson remarked, “But at the same time, I did a movie called Four Feathers. I got to meet Heath Ledger who became a very good friend, and I got an experience that I would have never had. So, part of me is like, ‘Life happens exactly the way it’s supposed to,’ and so I’m grateful for it. But I do look at that [and] I’m like, ‘Aw, it would’ve been fun to be her.’”
In a 2021 interview, Dunst expressed openness to reprising her role as Mary Jane, stating, “I would do it. Why not? That would be fun.” She humorously noted, "I’d be old MJ at this point with little Spidey babies."
Currently, Hudson is set to star in the upcoming film Song Sung Blue alongside Hugh Jackman. At a recent awards ceremony, Jackman praised Hudson’s talent, stating, "Kate Hudson is not only one of the great stars of our business, she is a consummate actor. I believe this time she is going to get an Oscar."
