Kirsten Dunst, well-known for her role in the Spider-Man films, has revealed that her children, Ennis, 7, and James, 4, whom she shares with her husband Jesse Plemons, have already watched several of her movies. Speaking at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival during the world premiere of her new film Roofman, Dunst shared insights into which films her kids have seen and what she plans to show them next, highlighting her experience balancing her career and parenting.
Films Her Kids Have Experienced So Far
In a conversation with E! News’ Francesca Amiker, Dunst specified that her children have watched a variety of her films. They’ve seen the adventure-packed Jumanji as well as segments of the Spider-Man series, reflecting Dunst’s iconic role as MJ. Additionally, her kids have also watched Small Soldiers. This early exposure reveals how her children are interacting with different facets of her acting career, mixing action and family-friendly elements.
Introducing ‘Roofman’ as a Future Family Viewing
Regarding what movies might be next on her children’s viewing list, Dunst expressed enthusiasm about the new film Roofman. The story, based on the true escapades of Jeffrey Manchester, involves a criminal who committed a spree of robberies at fast-food restaurants before multiple prison escapes and hiding in a toy store. Dunst described the film as a family film she would feel comfortable showing her children, despite its intense storyline. She reflected on the surreal nature of the real-life events, commenting,
“Who robs 45 McDonalds and then gets away with it and then escapes prison multiple times? The whole thing is wild.”
—Kirsten Dunst, Actress
On-Set Chemistry with Channing Tatum
Portraying such a wild story on screen came naturally to Dunst and her co-star Channing Tatum. She emphasized their open and supportive working relationship, which helped them navigate the emotional complexity of their roles. According to Dunst, this bond was essential given the intimate nature of many scenes, saying,
“And because we had to be so intimate with each other, we were immediately each other’s safety net on set.”
—Kirsten Dunst, Actress
Children’s Connection to Spider-Man Characters
Beyond watching her movies, Dunst’s children seem to have a particular fondness for the Spider-Man story involving Peter Parker and MJ. In 2023, she shared an Instagram image of one of her sons hiding beneath a red umbrella designed to resemble Spider-Man’s mask. The post included a lighthearted caption noting her son’s unawareness of her role as MJ:
“Has no clue his mom was MJ.”
—Kirsten Dunst, Actress
Parenting Approach: Limiting Technology at Home
Dunst and Plemons are strict about technology use, aiming to create an environment that encourages real conversation and connection. In an interview with Variety in April 2024, Dunst explained that their household does not revolve around digital devices. Their children do not have personal iPads, and if used, it is only during flights on their father’s device. The family also avoids phone use during meals. She explained the motivation behind these rules, stating,
“We’re not just a ‘Siri, play whatever’ household. Our kids don’t have iPads either. If they want to use an iPad on the plane, it’s Dad’s iPad. And we’re not phone-at-restaurant kind of people.”
—Kirsten Dunst, Actress
Dunst emphasized the importance of raising children who are capable of engaging in conversations, adding,
“I’m not raising a kid that can’t have conversations at the table.”
—Kirsten Dunst, Actress
Other Celebrity Parent-Child Duos Reflecting Family Bonds
While Kirsten Dunst focuses on her family’s movie interactions and hands-on parenting style, many other celebrities are also recognized for their notable relationships with their children. These famous pairs often show the influence of family resemblance, shared professions, or mutual interests.
Jodie Sweetin and her daughter Zoie Herpin have shared moments together on family trips, including a 2023 visit to Jamaica. Yolanda Hadid and her daughter Gigi Hadid are a noted mother–daughter pair in both reality television and high fashion.
Clint Eastwood’s son Scott has mirrored his father’s career by starring in films like Suicide Squad and Snowden. Meanwhile, musician Jon Bon Jovi is often seen with his son Jake, who resembles his father closely.
The resemblance and bond between Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise have been highlighted through their appearances at public events such as a 2016 New York City performance. James Marsden also shares an uncanny resemblance to his son Jack, noted during the 2017 SAG Awards.
Sienna Miller, mother to daughter Marlowe Sturridge, enjoys public appearances with her child, while Kim Zolciak and her daughter Brielle Bierman are known for their strikingly similar looks, enhancing their familial connection.
Other well-known parent-child pairs include soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., model Christie Brinkley and Sailor Brinkley-Cook, as well as Kate Moss and Lila Moss, each maintaining strong family ties.
Reese Witherspoon and Ava Phillippe showcase their likeness during movie premieres, and Lisa Bonet and Zoë Kravitz exemplify continuity through their appearances at prominent events.
Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore, humorously remarked on their similarity, saying,
“That moment when you realize you actually are becoming your mother #twinning #imnotmad,”
—Rumer Willis, Actress
Other notable duos include Madonna and Lourdes Leon, David Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham, Kelly Ripa with Lola Consuelos, Uma Thurman alongside Maya Hawke, and Jay Z with Blue Ivy Carter, each mirroring aspects of their parents in looks, profession, or personality.
Alison Sweeney and Megan Sanov enjoy family moments at events like Disney On Ice shows, while Lily-Rose Depp and Vanessa Paradis share a striking mother–daughter resemblance at fashion shows. Julianne Moore’s red hair is carried on by her daughter Liv Freundlich, and Robin Wright appears nearly identical to her daughter Dylan Penn.
Other connections include Lori Loughlin and Olivia Giannulli, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Gillian Anderson and Piper Maru Klotz, Kaia Gerber with Cindy Crawford, and Tom Hanks alongside Colin Hanks, all further illustrating the theme of familial resemblance and shared careers.
The Gummer sisters, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa, closely resemble their mother Meryl Streep, and John Legend often notes his resemblance to his daughter Luna in their baby photos. Collectively, these celebrities demonstrate the ongoing influence of family in their lives and careers.
Significance of Balancing Career and Parenting
Kirsten Dunst’s openness about her children’s experiences with her film work and strict household guidelines reflects a deliberate effort to maintain normalcy despite her public life. By selectively sharing her movies with her kids and limiting their exposure to technology, she seeks to foster meaningful family dynamics and encourage genuine communication.
Her insights into the real-life events depicted in Roofman offer a glimpse into the complexities actors face when portraying extraordinary stories, while her nurturing approach reassures that her children’s development remains a priority. As Dunst continues to navigate motherhood alongside her career, her candidness sheds light on the careful balance many actors manage behind the scenes.
