Kate Hudson recently reflected on a career decision she regrets—turning down the lead role in the 2006 hit film The Devil Wears Prada.
During an interview on Capital Breakfast (via Entertainment Weekly), Hudson admitted that passing on the opportunity wasn’t her best move.
“That was a bad call,” she acknowledged. “It was a matter of timing—I couldn’t make it work, but I should have found a way.”
Ultimately, the role of aspiring journalist-turned-fashion-assistant Andrea “Andy” Sachs went to Anne Hathaway, who delivered a memorable performance. The film became a huge success, grossing $327 million worldwide and earning two Academy Award nominations.
Despite the movie’s triumph, Hudson still feels a tinge of regret. “When I finally saw it, I thought, ‘Ugh,’” she admitted. However, she quickly added, “Everything happens for a reason.” Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she “should’ve figured out a way to do it.”
Hudson wasn’t the only Hollywood star considered for the role. Director David Frankel previously revealed to Entertainment Weekly that several other A-list actresses were in the running, including Rachel McAdams, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Kirsten Dunst.
The studio was especially keen on casting McAdams. “We offered it to Rachel three times,” Frankel shared. “The studio really wanted her, but she was determined to turn it down.”
Although Hathaway made the role iconic, Hudson explained that industry scheduling conflicts often lead actors to pass on great scripts. “In Hollywood, projects are constantly overlapping, and sometimes, it’s not about rejecting a film—it’s just bad timing,” she noted. “You’re already committed to something else, and unfortunately, it just doesn’t work out.”
Fans of The Devil Wears Prada have something exciting to anticipate—a sequel is reportedly in development at Disney. The follow-up will see Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly adapting to the evolving magazine industry while competing for advertising revenue controlled by Emily Blunt’s now-powerful executive character.
As for Hudson, she may have to experience the sequel as a viewer—left to wonder what might have been had she taken on the role nearly two decades ago.
