Elizabeth Banks was told she was "too old" to be Tobey Maguire's love interest in 'Spider-Man'.
Elizabeth Banks
Banks screen-tested with the 40-year-old actor to portray Mary Jane Watson in the 2002 superhero movie - a role which eventually went to Kirsten Dunst, 34 - and was shocked with the reason why she was turned down.
She said: "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.' "
But these days, the 'Pitch Perfect' star is grateful she's enjoyed longevity in her career.
She Glamour magazine: "What I'm grateful for now is longevity. I was never a flavour of the month. I feel very comfortable that I will be working in this industry for a while."
The actress-and-director is a particular fan of comedies as she doesn't think films need to be serious.
She said: "I love character-based comedies. It's important to have a view on the world that's a little sassy. I don't think we should be taking anything too seriously."
Elizabeth made her directorial debut with 'Pitch Perfect 2' and says she was an obvious choice to step behind the camera for the sequel after being a producer on the first.
She said: "I really like producing and I had an ambition to direct a feature film.
"I had developed both 'Pitch Perfect' movies in production so no one knew them more than I did.
"When the directing job opened up, the studio immediately said, 'Would you wanna do it?' And boom."
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