Kate Hudson was almost famous for this role.
The actress, 46, opened up about her decision to turn down the part of Mary Jane in the 2002 action sci-fi movie “Spider-Man” — which ultimately went to Kirsten Dunst.
“Yes, I did,” Hudson confirmed while on Monday’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.”
“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.’”
“But at the same time,” the “Song Sung Blue” star continued, “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.’”
Instead, Hudson starred as Ethne Eustace in the 2002 war drama. She portrayed the fiancée of Ledger’s Harry Faversham.
The movie garnered $30 million worldwide at the box office.
Cohen, 57, chimed in that it wasn’t just one “Spider-Man” Hudson missed out on, but “a few.”
She cheekily rolled her eyes and responded, “No, I know, I know.”
Dunst, 43, would go on to star opposite Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker.
After another fan asked Hudson if she regretted her choice.
“You know, it’s so funny,” she replied. “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 for [the part], and your circumstances in life happen the way they happen.”
“Spider-Man” ended up taking home a whopping $811 million that same year.
Dunst would also reprise her role in 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” and 2007’s “Spider-Man 3.”
Two years prior to “Spider-Man,” Dunst starred in the 2000 iconic cheer flick “Bring it On.”
That same year, Hudson was Penny Lane in “Almost Famous.” The role earned her an Oscar nomination.
Now, Hudson is gearing up for the Christmas Day release of her and Hugh Jackman’s musical movie, “Song Sung Blue.”
The “Bride Wars” actress stars as Claire Sardina, one half of the Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning and Thunder. Hugh Jackman portrays Mike Sardina, the other half of the husband and wife duo. The Milwaukee couple toured the country in the late 1980s. Mike passed away in 2006.
In October, Hudson posted a series of pictures of herself and Diamond, 84, spending time together.
The duo held hands in one picture, while a second shot shows the musician in mid-conversation with the actress.
“Just sitting on the porch with @neildiamond sharing all kinds of stories ✨Sweet Neil, we love you! Thank you for sharing your music with us and for supporting our film @songsungbluefilm 💙❤️,” Hudson captioned her Instagram post.
Jackman, 57, also posted his own tribute to Diamond.
“What a day!! @neildiamond & @malibubirds thank you for an extraordinary visit. It was one that I could never have dreamt could or would come true!,” the “Music Man” actor penned at the time. “So special to spend time, to share, laugh and to sing karaoke! We are eternally grateful for your trust and support of @songsungbluefilm!”
Diamond — who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018 — also gushed over the film.
“I am so excited for audiences to see SONG SUNG BLUE tonight at the World Premiere in Los Angeles. Director Craig Brewer has brought an incredible love story to life, with spectacular performances by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson,” he wrote.
“I am so honored that my music gets to play a role in this film and I can’t wait for you all to see it on Christmas Day! –ND.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
