There’s no denying that Elizabeth Banks has had a pretty solid career in Hollywood. From starring in successful franchise films, as well as indies, then going on to directing, Banks is definitely a rising star. However, there’s one role that eluded her that she still can’t forget, in part because it illuminates the institutional sexism of Hollywood.
In an interview with Glamour UK (via Vanity Fair), Banks discusses her experience auditioning for the role of Mary-Jane in director Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man.” She says, “I screen-tested for the role of Mary-Jane Watson in the first ‘Spider-Man’ movie, opposite Tobey Maguire. Tobey and I are basically the same age, and I was told I was too old to play her. I’m like, ‘Oh, OK, that’s what I’ve signed up for.’”
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At the time of the audition, Banks was 26, which is only a little over a year older than Tobey Maguire. However, the role eventually went to Kirsten Dunst, who was in her late teens. Banks did get a part in the film, and the two subsequent sequels, appearing as Betty Brant in a much smaller role.
Actresses, in recent years, have discussed the apparent double standard regarding age that exists in Hollywood. Their male counterparts are able to be leading men well into their 40s and 50s, and also portray high-school kids while in their late 20s. Women, on the other hand, can be seen as past their prime after the age of 25.
Would Banks have made a better MJ than Dunst? We’ll never know, but it’s clear that this situation has happened all too often in the past — hopefully it won’t continue in the future. And she’s had her own back: Banks is now a big director as well as actress, with megahit “Pitch Perfect 2” to her name and “Charlie’s Angels” on the way.