Why Kate Hudson Walked Away from a Rom-Com Classic

Growing up as the child of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, Kate Hudson was always likely to find herself in the thick of Hollywood. Yet, whether she’d manage to carve out her own path was another matter entirely. Her turn as Penny Lane in 2000’s Almost Famous—a role that earned her an Oscar nod—put any doubts to rest. With her wild curls and bohemian coats, she became a style reference point for a generation, and her performance as the self-described ‘band-aid’ was nothing short of magnetic.

Hudson quickly became a fixture in romantic comedies, not least after starring opposite Matthew McConaughey in 2003’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. That film, with its now-iconic yellow dress, cemented her status as a leading lady in the genre. She would go on to appear in a string of similar titles, from Bride Wars to Something Borrowed, making it difficult to imagine her as anything but a rom-com mainstay.

Turning Down a Defining Role

Yet, before all that, Hudson came close to making her mark with a part in what would become a cult favourite among teen films. The role in question? Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You. Released in 1999, the film was initially dismissed by some as just another modern Shakespeare adaptation, but it quickly proved itself to be much more than a simple teen romance. The story, with its grand gestures and adolescent angst, captured the awkwardness and intensity of young love in a way that resonated with audiences.

Julia Stiles’ portrayal of Kat—a poetry-loving, fiercely independent teenager—became iconic, while Heath Ledger’s serenade on the school bleachers remains one of the film’s most memorable moments. The cast, rounded out by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the earnest Cameron, brought a sense of fun and sincerity that set the film apart from its peers. It’s easy to imagine Hudson bringing her own spin to the role, but fate had other plans.

Goldie Hawn’s Influence

As it turns out, Hudson’s decision not to audition for the part was heavily influenced by her mother. Casting director Marcia Ross recalled,

“We screen-tested Josh Hartnett, Eliza Dushku, Heath and Julia. But Julia and Heath just had the best chemistry together. I loved Katie Holmes. She was about to get Dawson’s Creek, and we had to make a decision really fast. The other person I loved was Kate Hudson. But her mom didn’t like the script for her, so she passed.”

At that stage in her career, Hudson was still seeking her mother’s approval when it came to major decisions. While it’s a sensible approach for someone just starting out, one can’t help but wonder what might have been had she chosen differently. 10 Things I Hate About You was an immediate hit, and its legacy endures as one of the most cherished teen comedies of its era.

What Might Have Been

Hudson’s career, of course, took off regardless, but the story of the role she didn’t take remains a fascinating ‘what if’ in Hollywood lore. The film’s blend of sharp wit, emotional honesty, and memorable performances ensured its place in the pantheon of coming-of-age classics. For Hudson, the decision to listen to her mother’s advice may have closed one door, but it certainly didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most recognisable faces in romantic comedy.