Kirsten Dunst Opens Up About Disliking a 'Spider-Man' Nickname: 'I Don't Prefer That'

Kirsten Dunst, known for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy, revealed that she still remembers a playful nickname she was given on set.

During an interview with Marie Claire, the 41-year-old actress recalled how the crew would sometimes refer to her as "girly-girl" over the walkie-talkie while filming Spider-Man. Mimicking a staticky radio sound, Dunst shared, "They would say, 'We need girly-girl' as a joke."

Dunst mentioned that she never spoke up and simply accepted it, but upon reflecting on the incident, she expressed, "Please don't refer to me in that way."

During the interview, Dunst shared that she has been on a break from work for the last two years because she was only being offered roles as a sorrowful mother. Her upcoming movie, a political thriller called Civil War, is scheduled to debut this month after finishing filming in 2022.

"It has been tough for me," Dunst admitted when discussing her lack of work opportunities. She expressed, "I have to support myself. The most challenging part is being a mother and feeling like I don't have anything for myself. This is a common feeling among mothers, not just me."

In an interview with Marie Claire, Dunst revealed her decision not to leverage her role in Spider-Man to become a mainstream movie star. She clarified that while that path may be suitable for some individuals, it does not align with the type of artist she aspires to be.

Kirsten Dunst Reveals Spider-Man Nickname 2

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The actress chose to focus on more artistic indie projects such as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Melancholia. In 2021, she starred in Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog alongside her husband, Jesse Plemons, and Benedict Cumberbatch. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Dunst shared her preference for working with female directors, citing a conversation with her manager where she expressed concerns about being objectified by male directors. She explained, “I think that’s probably why I worked with so many female directors when I was younger, because I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable in that way.”

Dunst has had a great time working with Plemons, who she married in 2022.

According to a source who spoke exclusively to We in January, acting together is a natural progression for the couple, given their strong relationship.

According to a source close to them, Dunst and Plemons enjoy stepping out of their comfort zones and working together as a team, which they find very enjoyable.

The couple began their relationship after meeting on the set of Fargo in 2015. They have two sons, Ennis who is 5 years old, and James who is 2. In addition to starring in The Power of the Dog, they will also be appearing together in Civil War.

In November 2021, Dunst shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that they fell in love creatively before becoming romantically involved. Their relationship blossomed after working together on Fargo. She was impressed by his talent and knew they would make a great team.

She went on to say that during a cold spell in Calgary, she binge-watched Jesse Plemons in Friday Night Lights. However, she admitted feeling strange about not watching Breaking Bad, as it is the one show he wants to watch with her.

Editor's P/S:

Kirsten Dunst's candid revelations about her experiences in Hollywood offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by actresses in the industry. Her discomfort with the "girly-girl" nickname highlights the subtle yet pervasive sexism that can permeate film sets. It is disheartening to learn that Dunst felt unable to voice her objection at the time, but her reflection on the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking up against such behavior.

Dunst's decision to prioritize artistic integrity over mainstream success is equally inspiring. Her choice to focus on indie projects and work with female directors demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her determination to challenge traditional gender roles in the entertainment industry. Her success in landing an Academy Award nomination for her role in "The Power of the Dog" is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of choosing projects that align with one's artistic values.