Kirsten Dunst Reflects on Silence Over ‘Girly-Girl’ Label During Spider-Man Era

Kirsten Dunst, renowned for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy alongside Tobey Maguire, recently opened up about her reluctance to stand up for herself during her time on set.

In an interview with Marie Claire, the Oscar-nominated actress, now 41, confessed to feeling a sense of discomfort during her Spider-Man days, particularly when she was referred to as ‘girly-girl’ over the walkie-talkie. Despite feeling uneasy about the label, Dunst admitted to never vocalizing her discomfort, reflecting the industry norms of the time where silence prevailed over speaking out.

Dunst elaborated on the industry dynamics prevalent before the #MeToo Movement, emphasizing the prevailing culture of silence where individuals were expected to endure such situations without protest.

Recalling a moment from her youth when she expressed feeling objectified to her then-manager, Dunst acknowledged her inclination towards collaborating with female directors as a means of reclaiming agency over her career trajectory.

Despite her success in the Spider-Man franchise, Dunst consciously steered away from leveraging her fame to become a conventional movie star. Instead, she prioritized roles that resonated with her on a personal level, guided by her heart rather than commercial aspirations.

While Dunst remains selective about her projects, she expressed openness to returning to the superhero genre if the opportunity arises, citing financial stability as a motivating factor, especially as a mother supporting her family.

Kirsten Dunst’s latest venture, the political thriller Civil War, hits theaters on April 26.