Kate Hudson has always known how to hold her own in a room full of men. As the only girl in the Hawn-Russell family, growing up alongside brothers Oliver Hudson, Wyatt Russell, and Boston Russell, she learned early how to navigate male-dominated spaces. Add to that an iconic mother in Goldie Hawn who raised her to be outspoken and unapologetic, and it is little wonder she was the perfect choice to play a powerful woman running an all-male basketball franchise. Speaking to FilmInk about ‘Running Point’ season 2, Hudson was thoughtful, candid, and clearly energised by the material.
What does Kate Hudson think about women in power?
Hudson has given considerable thought to how women operate in high-stakes male-dominated environments, and she does not shy away from saying what she thinks. “I don’t like generalising, because you always find yourself biting your tongue, but I do think women are amazing at strategy. I think actually, we see real long term. We have a great ability to see the big picture,” she said.On the pressure women face to stay on top, she was equally direct. “I think to actually be able to stay on top as a woman, requires a certain amount of ambition, desire and focus. I would say, you just double the effort. That’s the stuff that I think that people don’t realise, which is systemic sexism. Sometimes, women even do it to women. Our jobs have so much higher stakes.”Hudson added, “Women have maybe one or two chances to stay on top, and you just can’t make any mistakes. And for a woman heading a sports franchise? Definitely the stakes are big. They’re very very high.”
What happens in ‘Running Point’ Season 2?
Season 2 picks up with Hudson’s Isla Gordon no longer the surprise choice to lead the Los Angeles Waves. With the franchise finally rebounding after last season’s scandal, Isla is determined to prove she is not just keeping the seat warm for her brother Cam, played by Justin Theroux. What she does not know is that Cam is quietly manoeuvring behind the scenes to reclaim his post, turning every misstep into ammunition.As she tries to balance the pressure of running the franchise with her personal life, every decision on and off the court carries weight. To survive the family power plays and board scrutiny, she will have to rip up last season’s game plan entirely.
Kate Hudson on sibling rivalry and competition
Asked whether she has experienced that kind of rivalry in her own life, Hudson was clear. “I’ve never been competitive. To me, the arts, it’s an impossible place to be competitive, and you just have to be so focused on what you’re trying to do,” said Hudson, 47. “The most counterintuitive thing you could do in Hollywood is be competitive. And yet, the best thing you could do in sports is be competitive. It’s pretty linear.“
Why is ‘Running Point’ the most recognisable thing Kate Hudson has ever done?
Best known for films like ‘Almost Famous’, ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’, and ‘Song Sung Blue’, Hudson says nothing has quite matched the reach of ‘Running Point’. “I think this is the most recognisable thing I’ve done. I walk down the street and people really know the show, and I never had that before. The show is in their home. To be in your home and be with your family in the comfort of your walls and be able to enjoy and watch a show that everyone can be a part of and laugh at? That’s an incredible feeling.“
What has Kate Hudson said about working with Mindy Kaling?
As an executive producer on the show, Hudson speaks about co-creator Mindy Kaling with genuine admiration. “Mindy’s been doing this a while now and she has earned every stripe. She is so good, so smart, and so available. She’s also incredibly generous,” she said.Hudson added, “Mindy really is in 1000 different places, and still able to do all of it. And then on top of that, be a great mom. I just find her to be a very special person. I’m very lucky to be able to work with her.”‘Running Point’ Season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.
