Kate Hudson has disclosed that she passed on the opportunity to portray Mary Jane Watson in the 2002 Spider-Man film, a part that went to Kirsten Dunst. She shared this during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, reflecting on the choice that led her to another project with Heath Ledger. Hudson expressed a mix of gratitude and mild regret over the decision.
On a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Kate Hudson opened up about a pivotal career moment from over two decades ago. She confirmed turning down the role of Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi's original Spider-Man movie, which ultimately starred Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. The film became a massive success, grossing $826 million worldwide and launching a trilogy that concluded with Spider-Man 3 in 2007.
Hudson explained her reasoning, noting that she opted instead for the war drama Four Feathers, released just a few months after Spider-Man. That project allowed her to work alongside Heath Ledger, who later became a close friend, as well as Djimon Hounsou and Wes Bentley. Despite mixed reviews and a box office performance of $29 million against a $35 million budget, Hudson views the experience positively. 'It’s one of those things where I look back like, ‘That would have been nice to be in a “Spider-Man” movie,’' she said. '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.'
Reflecting further, Hudson emphasized acceptance of life's path. 'A part of me is like, ‘Life happens exactly the way it’s supposed to,’' she added. '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 also acknowledged the original cast's suitability: 'It doesn’t feel good to talk about it ’cause the people who are in the movie are the right people and your circumstances in life happen the way they happen.'
Maguire reprised his role in the 2021 multiverse film Spider-Man: No Way Home, while Dunst has not returned as Mary Jane since 2007. Separately, Hudson mentioned declining film offers to co-star with her mother, Goldie Hawn, unless the script proves exceptionally comedic and fitting.
