Kim Cattrall isn’t returning for season three of "And Just Like That," ending speculation about her reprising the iconic role of Samantha Jones. Fans have been buzzing, hoping to see more of her on-screen magic, but she recently set the record straight.
When a fan on X shared an article hinting at her return, Cattrall responded with a heartfelt, “Aw that’s so kind but I’m not.” This dashes the hopes of many who adored her performance from 1998 to 2004 in "Sex and the City" and its two follow-up films.
Despite her memorable guest appearance in the second season of "And Just Like That," where Samantha calls Carrie from London to express her wish to surprise her in New York—only to be thwarted by a flight delay—Cattrall is clear about her decision. Interestingly, she filmed this cameo without interacting with the rest of the cast, a testament to the complexities behind the scenes.
One of the reasons for Cattrall's absence might be linked to her dissatisfaction with the direction her character was taking. Back in 2018, James Andrew Miller, the host of the Origins podcast, mentioned that Cattrall wasn’t happy with Samantha’s storyline in the proposed third "Sex and the City" film, which eventually got shelved.
Adding fuel to the fire were reports of a feud between Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker. Cattrall didn’t mince words about her relationship with her co-stars Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis. On Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2017, she candidly stated, “We have never been friends. We’ve been colleagues and in some ways, it’s a very healthy place to be.”
Cattrall’s remarks about the toxic environment and being unfairly labeled as a “diva” further highlight the strained dynamics. She notably said, “I really think she [Parker] could have been nicer. I don’t know what her issue is.” This tension was even woven into the show's narrative. In the first episode of "And Just Like That," Carrie Bradshaw, played by Parker, explains Samantha’s absence by revealing that their friendship had ended. “It’s kind of like she’s dead – we never talk about her,” Carrie says. “She stopped returning my calls.”
Sarah Jessica Parker addressed these public comments in 2022 during The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. She found Cattrall’s statements “very painful,” emphasizing her commitment to professionalism and decency on set. Parker remarked, “I’ve spent a lot of years working really hard to always be decent to everybody on the set... And there just isn’t anyone else who’s ever talked about me this way.”
As the curtain rises for season three of "And Just Like That," set to return in 2025, it’s evident that Samantha Jones will remain absent. Fans might have to settle for re-watching the original "Sex and the City" series and movies to get their fix of Cattrall’s beloved character.
While Kim Cattrall’s decision is a letdown for many, it also highlights the importance of personal and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry. Her candor about her experiences and choices resonates with a broader conversation about workplace dynamics and the expectations placed on actors.
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In summary, while Kim Cattrall's return as Samantha Jones may not be in the cards, her impact on the "Sex and the City" franchise and its fans is undeniable. Her journey underscores the challenges and triumphs of maintaining artistic integrity and personal values in an often tumultuous industry. Here's to hoping that, even in her absence, the spirit of Samantha Jones continues to inspire and entertain.
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