Hollywood star Kate Hudson has publicly confirmed a long-standing piece of cinema trivia, revealing she was offered and subsequently turned down one of the most iconic roles in modern superhero film history.
The Role That Got Away
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen on Monday, Hudson addressed a fan question about whether she was almost cast as Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi's groundbreaking 2002 film Spider-Man. The actor, famed for How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Almost Famous, gave a straightforward answer: "Yes, I did."
The role, of course, ultimately went to Kirsten Dunst, who portrayed Peter Parker's neighbour and love interest opposite Tobey Maguire's web-slinger in the trilogy that began in 2002. The film, which told the origin story of a teenager gaining superhuman abilities from a genetically engineered spider, was a colossal box office hit, grossing over $825 million worldwide.
Reflecting on the Path Not Taken
Hudson expressed a tinge of nostalgic regret when looking back on the decision. "And now that I look back... it's one of those things where I look back like, 'That would have been nice to be in a Spider-Man movie,'" she told Cohen. However, her reasoning for passing on the superhero franchise was rooted in another significant project and a profound personal connection.
Instead of joining the Marvel universe, Hudson chose to star in the 2002 historical drama The Four Feathers. "But at the same time, I did a movie called The 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," she explained.
The film, an adaptation of A.E.W. Mason's 1902 novel, featured Hudson as the fiancée of a British officer (Ledger) accused of cowardice. Despite its star-studded cast, which also included Wes Bentley and Djimon Hounsou, the project received mixed reviews and underperformed commercially, a stark contrast to the phenomenal success of Spider-Man.
Life Happens as it Should
Demonstrating philosophical acceptance, Hudson framed her career choices as part of a destined journey. "A part of me is like, 'Life happens exactly the way it’s supposed to,'" she reflected. "And so, I’m grateful for it. But I do look at it and I’m like, 'Aw, it would have been fun to be [Mary Jane].'"
She was also keenly aware of not diminishing the work of those who did take on the roles, adding a note of respect for her peers. "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, right? And your circumstances in life happen the way they happen."
Looking forward, Hudson's next project is the musical drama Song Sung Blue, where she stars opposite Hugh Jackman as down-on-their-luck performers forming a Neil Diamond tribute band. The film, set for a Christmas release, is already generating talk of a career resurgence for the actor.
When asked about other missed opportunities, Hudson recently told Variety she still hopes to find the perfect project to co-star with her mother, Goldie Hawn, citing the spirit of the 1990 film Postcards From the Edge as an ideal template.
