Academy Award nominee Kirsten Dunst recently opened up about the gender pay gap in Hollywood, shedding light on the significant pay disparity she experienced compared to her male co-star Tobey Maguire during the making of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movies.
During an interview with Variety, Dunst disclosed that Maguire, who portrayed Peter Parker in the trilogy, was paid approximately $17 million for Spider-Man 2, a figure significantly higher than her own salary. Dunst expressed her surprise at the vast difference in compensation, especially considering her previous work, such as her role in Bring It On.
Despite the unequal pay, Dunst emphasized that monetary considerations are not her primary motivation when choosing roles. She acknowledged past decisions made for financial reasons but stated that she now prioritizes collaborating with filmmakers and projects that align with her artistic vision.
While Dunst gained recognition for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy, she has not revisited the superhero genre since. She expressed interest in reprising her role for the MCU’s Spider-Man: No Way Home but revealed that she was never approached for the opportunity.
Looking ahead, Dunst is set to star in the upcoming film 'Civil War,' directed by Alex Garland. The movie follows a group of journalists navigating a dystopian America amidst a growing civil conflict. 'Civil War' features a talented ensemble cast, including Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Nick Offerman, alongside Dunst.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, currently holding a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 'Civil War' is scheduled for theatrical release on April 12, 2024, promising audiences a gripping exploration of a fractured society on the brink of collapse.
