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Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” is a film that, more than 20 years later, remains extremely important in the history of successful cinema. It wasn’t just a big hit that spawned an entire trilogy; it also helped prove just how important superhero films could be, furthering the trend we saw with comic book cinema in the years that followed. It even helped define the careers of its stars, including Tobey Maguire (Peter Parker) and Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane Watson). But it turns out it could have defined Kate Hudson’s career.
During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live!” with Andy Cohen to promote her role in “Song Sung Blue” (a film based on a true story about a Neil Diamond tribute band), Hudson confirmed that she turned down the role of Mary Jane in “Spider-Man.” Expanding on the subject, the actress explained that she enjoyed her experience in “The Four Feathers,” the 2002 war drama she directed instead. Here’s what she had to say about it:
“Now that I look back, it’s one of those things where I’m like, ‘It would have been nice to be in a ‘Spider-Man’ movie.’ But at the same time, I made a film called “Four Feathers”. I met Heath Ledger, who became a very good friend, and I had an experience I never would have had.”
“Part of me is like, ‘Life is happening exactly how it’s supposed to be.’ So, I’m grateful for that. But I look at him and I’m like, ‘Oh, it would have been fun to be her,'” Hudson concluded.
“Spider-Man” went on to gross over $820 million at the box office, breaking records at the time of its release. It was a huge success. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for “The Four Feathers”.
The Four Feathers was a considerable failure
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, “The Four Feathers” follows a British officer (Heath Ledger) who resigns his post when he learns of his regiment’s plan to travel to Sudan for conflict with the Mahdi. He is then sent four white feathers, symbolizing cowardice. So, to redeem his honor, he disguises himself and secretly saves the lives of his regiment.
The film was met with a mixed response from critics at the time and grossed less than $30 million at the box office against a budget of $35 million. It’s not exactly considered one of the late Heath Ledger’s best films, to put it lightly, as the actor went on to star in “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Dark Knight” before his untimely passing in 2008. And while Hudson didn’t cite a reason for turning down the role of MJ, her friendship with Ledger is a big part of why she doesn’t regret her decision.
“It doesn’t feel good to talk about it because the people who are in the movie are the right people, and life circumstances happen as they happen,” Hudson said.
Although he missed a golden opportunity, Hudson had a long and successful career. In 2022, she was a key part of the cast of the “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” ensemble. Some of his other notable films include “How to Lose a Man in 10 Days,” “The Skeleton Key,” and “Deepwater Horizon.”
You can grab the “Spider-Man” trilogy on 4K or Blu-ray on Amazon.
