Kate Hudson Reveals She Turned Down Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man—And Why She Has No Regrets

The Oscar-nominated actor opens up about passing on Mary Jane Watson, a role that went on to define Kirsten Dunst’s superhero legacy

Fresh off her Oscar-nominated breakout performance in Almost Famous, Kate Hudson found herself at a major crossroads in the early 2000s—one that could have placed her at the heart of Marvel’s first modern superhero blockbuster. The actor has now confirmed that she was offered the role of Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002), a part she ultimately declined and which later became synonymous with Kirsten Dunst.

Speaking candidly on Watch What Happens Live, Hudson admitted that turning down Spider-Man is one of those rare career moments that occasionally makes her pause. Looking back, she acknowledged that being part of such an iconic franchise would have been exciting, especially considering how massively influential the film went on to become.

However, Hudson explained that her decision was shaped by timing and circumstance rather than doubt. Instead of swinging into the Spider-Verse, she chose to star in The Four Feathers (2002), a historical war drama that gave her a very different kind of experience. The film proved personally significant, as it led to a close friendship with the late Heath Ledger—something Hudson describes as invaluable and irreplaceable. For her, the choice reinforced a belief that careers, much like life, unfold exactly as they are meant to.

Despite briefly imagining what could have been, Hudson made it clear there’s no bitterness attached to the decision. She has openly praised Kirsten Dunst, stating that the actor who ultimately lands a role is always the right person for it. According to Hudson, revisiting casting “what-ifs” never feels entirely fair, especially when the final outcome worked so well.
Dunst, of course, went on to portray Mary Jane Watson across Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, starring opposite Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and Spider-Man 3 (2007). Her performance became a defining part of early-2000s pop culture and helped cement the emotional core of the franchise.
Interestingly, the door to the Spider-Verse may not be completely closed. After Maguire returned as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) alongside Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland, Dunst revealed that she would have happily reprised Mary Jane as well if she had been asked. With Sam Raimi later expressing openness to directing another Spider-Man film, fans continue to speculate about potential returns and multiverse reunions.
As for Hudson, her reflections highlight a rare Hollywood truth: sometimes saying no to a blockbuster leads to experiences that matter just as much—if not more—than box office glory.
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