Kirsten Dunst recently shared her thoughts on ageism in Hollywood and the challenges she faced in finding meaningful roles in the industry. In a cover story for Marie Claire's 2024 Makers Issue, the acclaimed actress revealed that after her role in the 2021 film 'The Power of the Dog,' she found herself being typecast as the 'sad mom,' limiting her opportunities for diverse and substantial roles.
Feeling frustrated with the lack of compelling offers, Dunst made the decision to take a step back from acting for two years following her work on the Jane Campion film. She expressed her struggle with balancing motherhood and her career, emphasizing the difficulty of not having personal fulfillment outside of her role as a parent.
Dunst highlighted the scarcity of quality roles for women her age in the industry, shedding light on the challenges faced by actresses as they navigate Hollywood's evolving landscape. Despite these obstacles, she recently accepted a role in Alex Garland's upcoming film 'Civil War,' drawn to the unique and fresh perspective presented in the script.
Additionally, Dunst shared her preference for working with female directors, citing her early recognition of the power and creativity of women in the industry. She expressed a desire to avoid being objectified or judged based on her gender, leading her to seek collaborations with female filmmakers throughout her career.
Having started her acting journey at a young age, Dunst gained widespread recognition for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the 'Spider-Man' trilogy. While she hasn't revisited the superhero genre since then, she remains open to the possibility, acknowledging the financial stability such projects can provide for her family.
'Civil War' is set to hit theaters on April 12, offering audiences a glimpse into Dunst's latest on-screen endeavor and her continued commitment to challenging stereotypes and pursuing roles that resonate with her creatively.
