In a recent interview with Marie Claire, Kirsten Dunst, known for her iconic role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy, opened up about her experience on the set and the challenges she faced in Hollywood.
Recalling her time on the Spider-Man set, Dunst revealed that she was often referred to as “girly-girl” via walkie-talkie, a nickname she found uncomfortable but chose not to address at the time. In an era predating the #MeToo movement, Dunst highlighted the unspoken norms that discouraged young women from speaking out, emphasizing, “You didn’t say anything. You just took it.”
Dunst also delved into the roles offered to her after her Oscar-nominated performance in Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog.’ Expressing frustration, she shared that every role presented to her was that of the “sad mom.” Discussing the challenges, she stated, “The hardest thing is being a mom and not feeling like I have nothing for myself.
That’s every mother—not just me.” Dunst emphasized the scarcity of compelling roles for women her age in the industry.
Approaching her 42nd birthday, Dunst acknowledged the limitations she perceives in the roles available for women in her age bracket, emphasizing her decision to participate in ‘Civil War.’
In this Alex Garland film, she portrays a reporter navigating an escalating Second American Civil War, showcasing her versatility beyond the stereotypical roles offered to actresses of her age.
Dunst’s candid revelations shed light on the complexities and gender dynamics within the film industry, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by actresses both on and off the screen.
