Highlights
- Kirsten Dunst reflects on being labeled a “girly-girl” on the Spider-Man set, revealing industry challenges faced by women.
- Dunst prioritizes indie film roles over box-office success, highlighting the power of women in the industry.
- Dunst embraces new challenges, preparing to star in Civil War after concerns over being typecast as a “sad mom” in her 40s.
Spider-Man star Kirsten Dunst reflected on uncomfortable experiences from her time on set. Now, more than two decades after filming, the actor is addressing those issues.
Dunst, renowned for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy (2002-2007), has opened up about her on-set experiences and delved into broader issues prevalent during that period. Dunst also shared insights into her career journey, including the challenges faced, particularly by women in the industry.
While speaking with Marie Claire about her time filming the first Spider-Man movies, she revealed discomfort with being labeled a “girly-girl,” recalling instances where she was referred to as such over the walkie-talkie. “It was a joke, but on Spider-Man, they would call me ‘girly-girl’ sometimes on the walkie-talkie. ‘We need girly-girl'”—she mimics the tone—”but I never said anything,” Dunst recounted, acknowledging her lack of self-worth, particularly before the rise of the MeToo movement. “You didn’t say anything,” she remarked, feeling minimized. “You just took it.”
Refusing to capitalize on her role in the popular Spider-Man franchise, Dunst aimed to establish herself as an indie movie star, which temporarily impacted her career. She emphasized choosing roles that resonated with her rather than pursuing box-office success. Reflecting on the industry’s gender dynamics, she prefers working with female directors, citing experiences with Sofia Coppola, Lesley Headland’s Bachelorette, and Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog. “I saw the power in women very young,” Dunst recalled, “I think that’s helped with…not needing male attention in my career.” Now established in Hollywood, she grapples with a different issue – aging. While jokingly mentioning that “no one cares” about her looks in her 40s, she admitted concern over being offered more ‘sad mom’ trope roles as she gets older.
Currently working on her next movie, Civil War, her first movie role in over two years, Dunst expressed her enthusiasm for taking on the role after being offered numerous ‘sad mom’ roles, seeking something fresh. This decision reflects her resilience and adaptability, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Civil War, written and directed by Alex Garland (known for Ex Machina), is an upcoming dystopian action film that’s set in the near future. It follows a team of journalists traveling across the United States during the rapidly escalating Second American Civil War. Dunst portrays Lee Smith, a brave photojournalist who consistently risks her life covering the American war zone.
Spider-Man (2002) is available on Disney Plus.
Source: Marie Claire
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