Kate Hudson reveals the classic film role she regrets turning down
Hollywood star Kate Hudson, best known for her breakout performances in Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, has recently shared her regret over turning down a now-iconic role. In a candid interview with Capital FM, Hudson revealed that she was originally in contention to play Andrea Sachs in the 2006 fashion blockbuster The Devil Wears Prada but had to pass on the opportunity due to scheduling conflicts.
Reflecting on the missed chance, Hudson admitted: “The Devil Wears Prada. That was a bad call.” The coveted role eventually went to Anne Hathaway, who delivered a career-defining performance as the aspiring journalist navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion under the demanding mentorship of Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep.
Hudson explained that the decision was not entirely within her control, as she was committed to another film at the time. “And it was a timing thing, and I couldn’t do it. I should have made it happen and I didn’t.” The actress went on to say that after seeing the finished film, she truly felt the weight of what she had let slip through her fingers: “That was one, when I saw [the film] I was like, ‘ugh’. But again, everything happens for a reason.”
The making of an iconic film
The Devil Wears Prada, shot in 2005 and released in 2006, was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $326 million worldwide. Beyond its box office success, the film became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion trends and cementing its place as one of the most beloved films of the decade.
The role of Andrea Sachs, a fresh-faced journalism graduate who lands an assistant position at Runway magazine, was a dream opportunity for many young actresses at the time. The film’s director, David Frankel, later revealed that Hathaway was far from the studio’s first choice. “We started negotiating with Annie [Hathaway] to make a deal, and that didn’t go well with the studio… We offered it to Rachel McAdams three times,” Frankel disclosed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
McAdams, fresh off her successes in The Notebook and Mean Girls, declined the role repeatedly, reportedly wanting to distance herself from mainstream commercial projects at the time. Other prominent actresses, including Scarlett Johansson, Kirsten Dunst, and Natalie Portman, were also considered before the part finally landed with Hathaway.
Meryl Streep, whose formidable performance as Miranda Priestly became legendary, played a crucial role in securing Hathaway’s casting. The director recalled how Streep’s support helped sway the decision in Hathaway’s favour, allowing her to step into a role that would ultimately transform her career.
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Kate Hudson’s career perspective
Though Hudson missed out on The Devil Wears Prada, she has enjoyed a successful Hollywood career with a diverse range of roles. At the time, she starred in You, Me and Dupree (2006) alongside Owen Wilson and Matt Dillon—a light-hearted comedy that, while financially successful, did not leave the same cultural impact as The Devil Wears Prada.
Despite her regret, Hudson maintains a positive outlook on the situation, recognising that every career choice shapes an actor’s journey in different ways. Over the years, she has continued to deliver engaging performances, including her recent role in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), where she played the eccentric fashion designer Birdie Jay.
A ‘What If’ moment in hollywood
Hudson’s revelation is a reminder of how casting decisions can dramatically alter the trajectory of both films and actors’ careers. Had she taken on the role of Andrea Sachs, audiences may have seen a very different version of The Devil Wears Prada.
Nevertheless, Hathaway’s performance has since become synonymous with the role, proving that sometimes, what is meant to be will ultimately fall into place. Hudson’s candid admission only adds to the long list of fascinating “what could have been” moments in Hollywood history.
