Actress Kirsten Dunst has revealed how one of cinema’s most iconic kisses was one of her worst scenes on set.
Imagine a kiss that not only defines an era of superhero cinema, but marks a milestone in cinematic history. Namely, without a doubt, the legendary reverse kiss in the rain between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. Despite her romantic and seductive appearance on screen, Kirsten Dunst remembers this time as a real challenge.
The icon test
The episode features a magical moment following Spider-Man’s (Tobey Maguire) heroic rescue of MJ (played by Dunst). Unexpectedly, she uncovered part of her face for a passionate kiss, all surrounded by a curtain of rain. What was a moment of pure cinematic magic for fans turned out to be a much less surreal experience for those involved.
During a recent visit to The Jonathan Ross Show, Dunst shared stories from those filming days. “I remember Sam Raimi gave me a book of famous kisses that he wanted to be inspired by, he wanted to make this special moment, even though the reality was so sad,” he admits. Heavy rain and extreme cold, added to Maguire’s difficulty breathing under his mask, turned what should have been an act of love into a resurrection.
Beyond the kiss
Despite these travails, Dunst reprized her role as MJ in the Raimi-directed series, sparking rumors and speculation that she would not appear alongside Maguire in No Way Home. However, the actress wouldn’t rule out playing MJ again, especially considering the endlessly versatile version that continues to proliferate. “No one asked me, but… this multiverse goes on and on. I feel like it could happen,” Dunst reflected in a 2022 interview.
With rumors of both Maguire and Andrew Garfield returning in the untitled Spider-Man 4, fans are on the edge of their seats, wondering if this is the right time for Dunst to return as Mary Jane. This moment is perfect not only to relive the magic of the original films, but also to explore new aspects of the characters in the wider Spider-Man cinematic universe.
Behind the mask
Mary Jane Watson, more than a love interest, has become a pillar in the evolution of the wall-crawler, offering a more humane and complex view of the hero’s world. His strong character and ability to face both universal problems and supernatural threats emphasizes the importance of secondary characters in the development of heroes.
On film, Dunst shows this strength in a performance that resonates with fans, adding depth to a character who transcends the role of a damsel in distress. Compared to other franchises, Mary Jane stands out for its independence and virtue, aspects that are key to its sustainability in the collective imagination. A possible return to the Spider-Man Cinematic Universe is not only expected, but also represents an opportunity to explore new aspects of an already iconic character.
Inheritance of power and responsibility
Spider-Man’s identity revolves around the transformation of Peter Parker, a student who gains superhuman abilities after being bitten by a genetically altered spider. With this power comes great responsibility, a mantra coined by his beloved Uncle Ben. Raimi’s saga also delves into hero complex and personal sacrifice, in addition to giving us epic moments like the upside-down kiss.
Dunst’s revelation invites us to look behind the curtain, reminding us that creating memorable cinematic moments often requires unexpected sacrifices and challenges. As the Spider-Man universe continues to expand, the prospect of seeing familiar faces and beloved characters return is a glimmer of hope for fans who combine nostalgia with creativity for more adventures.