Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst Now: Leading Role in Civil War

Kirsten Dunst delivers a remarkable performance as veteran photojournalist Lee Smith in the thriller Civil War, showcasing her talent both in front of and behind the camera. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, director Alex Garland revealed that Dunst played a key role in the film’s casting process, specifically recruiting her husband, Jesse Plemons, for a crucial role as a menacing militia member. Plemons stepped in last minute after another actor withdrew, a move that Garland described as “a stunning bit of good luck.” He recounted the moment he learned of the casting issue: “I was standing out on the street when I got the call, and I thought, ‘Oh s—. Now we’re in trouble.’” Dunst’s quick suggestion proved pivotal for the production.

Civil War had an impressive box office debut, earning over $25 million in its opening weekend and setting a record for A24 films. To date, it has grossed more than $60 million globally.

Who Is Kirsten Dunst?

Kirsten Dunst is widely recognized for her portrayal of Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy, as well as her role in Marie Antoinette. Born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, on April 30, 1982, Dunst’s breakout role came at the age of 12 in the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire, alongside Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Over the years, she has transitioned from blockbuster hits to critically acclaimed artistic projects, earning Golden Globe nominations for her performances in Fargo and On Becoming a God in Central Florida. In 2022, she received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in The Power of the Dog. Dunst is married to fellow actor Jesse Plemons, and they share two children.

Early Life of Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Caroline Dunst was born to Klaus, a German immigrant and medical services executive, and Inez, a former Lufthansa flight attendant of Swedish and German descent. This diverse heritage grants her both American and German citizenship. Raised with her younger brother, Christian, in Brick Township, New Jersey, Dunst attended the Ranney School, a private preparatory institution. She was known for her outgoing personality; as a child, she often received compliments about her vibrant demeanor. “Every time [my mom and I would] go to the grocery store, everyone would come up to her and say, ‘Your daughter is so animated, she’s such a happy child, she has such a light. You should put her in commercials,’” she recounted in a 2012 interview.

At the age of three, Dunst began her modeling career with the baby division of the Ford agency, eventually landing her first commercial for Kix cereal. Her early success continued with advertisements for various products, including the board game Trouble, Pillsbury baked goods, and Crayola crayons.

Dunst made her transition to dramatic roles at age six, starting with an uncredited appearance in Woody Allen’s New York Stories in 1989. A year later, she portrayed the daughter of Tom Hanks and Kim Cattrall in The Bonfire of the Vanities. Following her parents’ separation, Dunst and her mother moved to Los Angeles, where her mother aimed to further Kirsten’s burgeoning career. Despite her childhood achievements, Dunst later expressed mixed feelings about her early entry into the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her experiences, she admitted, “I’d never put any daughter of mine through acting because, while I loved acting and was happy working as a child, looking back, my happiness always came from pleasing other people—always.” Nonetheless, her talent was recognized, leading to more substantial roles as she matured in the industry.

Kirsten Dunst: A Journey Through Film and Personal Growth

Breakthrough Roles: Interview with the Vampire and Jumanji

After making a few minor television appearances in 1993, including roles on Sisters and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Kirsten Dunst’s film career took off in 1994. At just 12 years old, she delivered a remarkable performance as Claudia in Interview with the Vampire, a gothic horror film adapted from Anne Rice’s novel, co-starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

Reflecting on her experience, Dunst has expressed mixed feelings about the film. During a 2019 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she described her co-stars as protective, saying, “They treated me like a little sister. It was very sweet.” However, she also recounted the discomfort of her onscreen kiss with Pitt, who was 30 at the time, describing it as “very weird even though it was a peck.” Despite these complexities, the film was pivotal for Dunst, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress and leading to another major success with the 1995 adventure comedy Jumanji, featuring Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt.

Exploring Diverse Roles: The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette

In the years that followed, Dunst showcased her versatility across various genres, appearing in films like Mother Night (1996), Wag the Dog (1997), and Small Soldiers (1998). Her collaboration with director Sofia Coppola began with The Virgin Suicides (1999), where Dunst portrayed Lux Lisbon. At the time, she felt overwhelmed yet optimistic about the project, believing Coppola’s direction would ensure its success. Although the film grossed just over $10 million worldwide, it has since gained a cult following.

This partnership flourished further with Marie Antoinette (2006) and The Beguiled (2017), solidifying an enduring friendship and creative collaboration.

Rise to Stardom: Spider-Man Trilogy

Dunst became a household name in the early 2000s, first gaining attention as cheerleader Torrance Shipman in Bring It On (2000). However, her role as Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man (2002) truly catapulted her career. The film became a landmark in box office history, earning over $100 million in its opening weekend and grossing more than $821 million globally, igniting the comic book film phenomenon. Dunst reprised her role in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007).

As her star power grew, Dunst took a more discerning approach to her projects, seeking roles that resonated with her artistic sensibilities. “When I was younger, in my 20s, I didn’t have the best guidance,” she admitted in an interview with Variety. “As soon as I took the reins and started to develop my tastes, everything shifted.”

Artistic Ventures: Melancholia, The Power of the Dog, and Civil War

Dunst transitioned to more artistic films, such as Lars von Trier’s Melancholia (2011), where she portrayed a woman grappling with depression amidst an impending apocalypse. Over the following years, she starred in a range of films, including Upside Down (2012), The Two Faces of January (2014), Midnight Special (2016), and the biopic Hidden Figures (2016).

After a four-year hiatus to focus on motherhood, Dunst returned to the screen in 2021 with The Power of the Dog, earning acclaim alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and her now-husband Jesse Plemons. Both actors received Academy Award nominations, while director Jane Campion won the Oscar for Best Director. Dunst’s latest project is the thriller Civil War, released in April 2024, where she plays photojournalist Lee Smith in a narrative centered around a fictional second American Civil War.

Television Success: Fargo and Other Roles

Dunst’s television career began in the mid-1990s with appearances in shows like Touched by an Angel and ER. However, her most acclaimed television role came in 2015 as Peggy Blumquist in FX’s Fargo, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Dunst described the character as “one of the best parts” she has ever played, expressing gratitude for the opportunity during a challenging time in her career.

She returned to the Golden Globes as a nominee in 2019 for her role in the Showtime dark comedy On Becoming a God in Central Florida.

Personal Life: Family and Relationships

Dunst began dating her Fargo co-star Jesse Plemons in 2016, and the couple confirmed their engagement in June 2017. They married in June 2022 and have two sons: Ennis (born May 2018) and James (born April 2021). Dunst has described Plemons as her “creative soulmate,” highlighting their collaborative projects together.

In August 2019, Plemons introduced Dunst during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, praising her multifaceted roles as a mother, partner, and friend.

Past Relationships and Mental Health Advocacy

Before her relationship with Plemons, Dunst was involved with actor Garrett Hedlund from 2012 to 2016 and dated Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal earlier in her career.

Dunst has been open about her struggles with depression, particularly during her twenties. In 2008, she sought treatment at Cirque Lodge, which she later discussed publicly to clarify misconceptions about her health. She has emphasized the importance of seeking help and being open about mental health challenges. Becoming a mother has contributed positively to her mental well-being, helping her feel liberated.

Net Worth

As of October 2023, Kirsten Dunst’s net worth is estimated at $25 million, reflecting her successful career in film and television.