Kate Hudson is opening up about one of her biggest career regrets: turning down the lead role of Andrea Sachs in the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada. During her recent appearance on the Capital Breakfast radio show, Hudson candidly reflected on her decision to pass on the role portrayed by Anne Hathaway, calling it "a bad call" on her part.
The casting process for the beloved movie was competitive, with director David Frankel initially meeting with several prominent actresses, including Hudson, Rachel McAdams, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Kirsten Dunst. Hudson explained her regret by saying, "That was a bad call. It was a timing thing; it was one of those things where I couldn’t do it, and I should’ve made it happen, and I didn’t." She expressed her disappointment with the missed opportunity, adding, "When I saw it, I was like, ‘Ugh.'" Despite her feelings of remorse, Hudson maintained a philosophical outlook, stating, "everything happens for a reason," but still felt she should have made it work.
Released in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada became a massive success, grossing over $327 million worldwide and receiving two Academy Award nominations. It has since achieved cult status, with quotable lines and unforgettable fashion moments. Hudson remarked, "It’s funny. It’s waves of things... It’s not like you don’t do them because you don’t want to do them. It’s like, ‘Oh, you’re doing something else.’ And it just sucked, you know?”
Interestingly, Frankel previously revealed to Entertainment Weekly how challenging it was to cast the lead role, mentioning, "We offered it to Rachel McAdams three times. The studio was determined to have her, and she was determined not to do it." This just goes to show how complex the casting decisions can be for high-profile films.
While Hudson may have lost out on the role, her career has seen numerous successes, and fans have always admired her versatility and charm on-screen. The good news for fans of The Devil Wears Prada is the recent announcement of a sequel. Disney is currently developing the follow-up, and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna is reportedly returning to pen the next chapter.
The sequel is set to follow Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep, as she navigates her career challenges amid the declining relevance of traditional magazine publishing. The storyline will also feature Emily Blunt’s character, who has transitioned to become a high-powered executive for a luxury group, creating tensions and conflicts as Priestly seeks to adapt to shifting industry dynamics.
Fans of the original film are excited about the sequel, which seems poised to capture the charm and sharp wit of the first movie, as well as introduce new challenges relevant to today’s business and cultural landscapes. Hudson's reflections serve as both a personal insight and a reminder of how the film's enduring success continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Despite her regrets, Hudson’s honesty gives fans insight not just about the casting of one of the most iconic roles but also about the unpredictable nature of Hollywood decisions. After all, even the stars are human, and timing can sometimes make or break career-defining opportunities.