‘It Would’ve Been Fun To Be Her’: Kate Hudson On The Silver Lining To Turning Down Spider-Man’s Mary Jane Role

by

As a movie reviewer, I’ve always admired the women who’ve played the female leads in the Spider-Man films – from Kirsten Dunst to Emma Stone and now Zendaya, they’ve all been fantastic. But it’s fascinating to think about how different things could have been. I recently learned that Kate Hudson was actually offered the role of Mary Jane in Sam Raimi’s films! Apparently, she seriously considered it, but ultimately decided to pass. It makes you wonder how different those movies would have been with her in the part.

Hudson, who is currently promoting her new film Song Sung Blue, recently made an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, and she was asked directly by host Andy Cohen about her past connection to everyone’s favorite neighborhood superhero. A fan submitted a question asking if she had at one point turned down the role of Mary Jane, and in confirming the story, the actress explained why she doesn’t have any regrets about it. Said Hudson,

It’s strange to discuss these kinds of ‘what ifs’ because the people involved and events unfolded as they did. While I sometimes think about how cool it would have been to be in a Spider-Man film, I’m also grateful for the opportunities I did have. I got to work on ‘Four Feathers,’ where I met Heath Ledger, who became a close friend, and that experience was truly special and something I wouldn’t have traded.

Shekhar Kapur’s historical drama, The Four Feathers, was released in 2002, the same year as Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. While Spider-Man became a huge cultural phenomenon, The Four Feathers didn’t achieve the same level of popularity. However, the film does feature a strong cast, including Heath Ledger, Djimon Hounsou, Wes Bentley, and Michael Sheen alongside Hudson.

It’s been over 20 years, and Kate Hudson still hasn’t starred in a superhero movie, despite appearing in popular franchises like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and providing a voice in Kung Fu Panda 3. While she doesn’t dwell on the decision, she does occasionally wonder what it would have been like to take that path. She mentioned,

I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m thankful for how things have unfolded. Still, I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have lived a different life.

There’s still time to include Kate Hudson in a cameo for the next Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse movie. It would be a fun surprise for fans, similar to Channing Tatum finally playing Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine. Since the sequel isn’t out until June 2027, the filmmakers could potentially add her, giving her a chance to participate in a project she previously declined.

Read More

2025-12-24 15:38