Kate Hudson Reveals Passing on ‘Spider-Man’ Role as Mary Jane Watson

Kate Hudson disclosed that she turned down the opportunity to portray Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy before Kirsten Dunst secured the part. The actress shared this during an appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ reflecting on the decision that led her to other projects. Hudson noted the role eventually went to Dunst, who starred opposite Tobey Maguire in the 2002 film and its sequels. The revelation highlights a key casting what-if in early 2000s superhero cinema.

Hudson explained that rejecting ‘Spider-Man’ allowed her to take on ‘The Four Feathers,’ a 2002 historical drama directed by Shekhar Kapur. She co-starred with Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, and Djimon Hounsou in the adaptation of A.E.W. Mason’s novel set during a British military campaign in Sudan. Hudson described meeting Ledger as a positive outcome, noting they became close friends until his death in 2008. The film received mixed reviews but provided her with an international production experience.

The original ‘Spider-Man’ grossed over $825 million worldwide, launching a franchise that earned billions across three films. Dunst’s portrayal of Mary Jane became iconic, spanning ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), ‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004), and ‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007). Maguire returned as Peter Parker in the 2021 multiverse crossover ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ alongside successors Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield. Hudson’s admission adds to known alternate casting choices in the series.

Hudson expressed no regrets, stating life unfolds as intended despite occasional thoughts about the superhero role. She acknowledged it would have been enjoyable to join the blockbuster but valued the path taken. The actress has maintained a varied career, including romantic comedies like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and dramatic roles in ‘Almost Famous,’ for which she earned an Oscar nomination. Recent projects include ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.’

This disclosure aligns with other revealed near-misses in franchise history, such as actors considered for key parts before final selections. Raimi’s trilogy revitalized comic book adaptations, influencing the modern superhero genre dominated by Marvel and DC properties. Hudson’s perspective underscores the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting decisions and their long-term impacts on careers.