Hudson’s Candid Confession: The Spider-Man Role She Almost Had

Thescreescore – In a recent candid revelation that has sent ripples through the entertainment world, acclaimed actress Kate Hudson has finally spoken out about a pivotal career decision made over two decades ago: declining the iconic role of Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’s groundbreaking 2002 Spider-Man film. This character, of course, famously went on to be portrayed by Kirsten Dunst across the original trilogy, including Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007).

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen, Hudson was directly confronted with the long-standing rumor of her passing on the coveted superhero role. Her response was a nuanced blend of wistfulness and philosophical acceptance. While acknowledging a lingering thought that "it would have been nice to be in the Spider-Man movie," she emphasized a profound belief that "the people who are in the movie are the right people." She articulated the discomfort in discussing such missed opportunities, stating, "it doesn’t feel good to talk about it."

Crucially, Hudson revealed the personal significance of her alternative project at the time: the 2002 war drama The Four Feathers. It was during this production that she forged a deep friendship with the late, revered actor Heath Ledger. Despite The Four Feathers not achieving critical acclaim or commercial success—grossing a modest $29.8 million worldwide against a $35 million budget and holding a 41% Rotten Tomatoes score—Hudson views the experience as invaluable. "I got an experience that I would never have had," she reflected, underscoring the profound personal connections that sometimes outweigh box office numbers.

Cohen astutely highlighted the magnitude of the opportunity Hudson declined, noting the potential for a multi-film commitment and the chance to embody an iconic character in the nascent era of superhero cinema, long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe reshaped the industry. Yet, despite this path not taken, Hudson’s career trajectory has been anything but hindered. From her rom-com staple How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) to her recent acclaimed turn in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), her filmography boasts numerous successful and memorable performances.

The character of Mary Jane Watson has, of course, endured and evolved across various cinematic iterations since Dunst’s portrayal. Shailene Woodley was famously cast for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) though her scenes were ultimately excised. More recently, Zendaya has redefined the role as Michelle "MJ" Jones within the MCU’s Spider-Man saga, while Zoë Kravitz and Melissa Sturm have lent their voices to Mary Jane Parker in the animated Spider-Verse films. Speculation also surrounds Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, rumored to be the next MCU iteration of MJ in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), a role kept under strict wraps despite production wrapping. This lineage underscores the enduring appeal and significance of the character Hudson once considered.

Looking ahead, Hudson’s schedule remains robust, with the upcoming film Song Sung Blue, co-starring Hugh Jackman, set for a December 25 release, and the second season of her Netflix sports comedy series Running Point anticipated in 2026. Interestingly, Hudson expressed an openness to joining the MCU in 2022, though she currently has no confirmed attachments to the sprawling franchise. Her journey serves as a compelling reminder that even the most tantalizing "what ifs" in Hollywood don’t define a career, especially when an actor carves out a path as distinctive and successful as Kate Hudson’s.