Elizabeth Banks has revealed she was told she was too old to be Tobey Maguire's love interest in "Spider-Man".
The 42-year-old actress screen-tested with the 40-year-old actor to portray Mary Jane Watson in the 2002 superhero movie, reported Daily Mirror.
The role eventually went to Kirsten Dunst, 34.
"I screen-tested for the role of Mary-Jane Watson in the first Spider-Man movie, opposite Tobey Maguire," she said.
"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 is enjoyed longevity in her career.
"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-director is a particular fan of comedies as she doesn't think films need to be serious.
"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.
