Hollywood's Missed Opportunities: Why Kate Hudson Didn't Star in '10 Things I Hate About You'

In the world of Hollywood, casting decisions can often feel like a roll of the dice. Sometimes, the choices actors or their families make about which roles to take or pass on can lead to fascinating twists in their careers. One such story involves Kate Hudson, a star who was once considered for a role in the iconic teen movie, 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). Surprisingly, the decision not to take the part wasn't entirely her own—it came from her legendary mom, Goldie Hawn.

What Was the Role Kate Was Up For?

10 Things I Hate About You is a beloved teen comedy that brought Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew into the modern era. The story revolves around Cameron (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a new student who falls for Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik), a girl with a strict father who forbids her from dating unless her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) does first. Enter Patrick Verona, the rebellious bad boy played by Heath Ledger, who is convinced to pursue Kat in a classic case of love as a business transaction.

Kate Hudson was actually in the running for the role of Kat Stratford, the strong-willed, independent sister who becomes the focus of Patrick's affections. The part eventually went to Julia Stiles, whose chemistry with Ledger was reportedly a key factor in the casting decision. But what exactly happened to Kate's involvement in the film?

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Goldie Hawn's Influence: A Mother's Protective Instinct

According to People magazine, casting director Marcia Cross shared insights into the decision-making process. While Cross admired several actresses for the role of Kat, including Katie Holmes and Kate Hudson, timing and script preferences ultimately determined the outcome. Holmes was on the verge of landing a lead role on Dawson's Creek, which required her immediate availability. As for Kate Hudson, Cross revealed that "her mom, Goldie Hawn, didn’t like the script for her, so she passed."

Hawn, known for her protective nature and strong maternal instincts, likely felt the script didn't align with the kind of projects she envisioned for her daughter. This decision might have been surprising at the time, but it ultimately paved the way for Kate to pursue other roles that showcased her unique talents.

kurt-russell-kate-hudson — Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Kate Hudson's Successful Career Path

Of course, no one could argue that Kate Hudson missed out on much. Her career has flourished with critically acclaimed performances in films such as Almost Famous (2000), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), My Best Friend’s Girl (2008), A Little Bit of Heaven (2011), and Deepwater Horizon (2016). Each of these roles has allowed her to shine in different ways, proving that passing on 10 Things I Hate About You wasn't the end of the world.

Kate Hudson on Parental Advice: A Unique Perspective

In an interview with PopSugar last year, Kate Hudson offered some fascinating insights into her relationship with her parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, when it comes to career advice. "It’s funny," she said, "because everyone always asks about my mom, but my dad is also in the entertainment business. It's interesting that my dad is rarely included in that conversation. In reality, my mom and I talk about a wide range of topics—relationships, friendships, and life in general—but rarely about business. We often discuss balance and the importance of staying connected with the people around us. Career advice is almost never on our list of topics, even when I was younger. People often comment on how close my mom and I are, and part of that closeness comes from the fact that she gave me the freedom to be who I am. Giving advice wasn't really her style. The same goes for Kurt, actually."

It seems that Goldie Hawn's decision regarding the 10 Things I Hate About You script may have been the exception rather than the rule. Her protective instincts and artistic judgment likely played a role in steering her daughter toward roles that better suited her talents and personality.