Kim Cattrall’s Subtle Response to Sex and the City Spinoff Controversy
Kim Cattrall, known for her iconic role as Samantha Jones in the hit TV series Sex and the City, recently made headlines after she liked a fan’s comment on Instagram. The comment praised her character, Samantha Jones, stating that she “carried the entire franchise” of the show. This gesture from Cattrall came shortly after the conclusion of the spinoff series, And Just Like That…, which received mixed reactions from viewers.
The actress celebrated her 69th birthday just one week after And Just Like That… wrapped up its three-season revival. Although Cattrall did not reprise her role in the spinoff, her character was still a central topic of discussion among fans. The fan comment that caught Cattrall’s attention applauded her portrayal of Samantha Jones as a strong, powerful, and vulnerable woman, highlighting her essential role in the series.
In the original Sex and the City series, which aired from 1998 to 2004, Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha Jones, became a fan favorite for her outspoken and sex-positive personality. While Cattrall did not return for the 2021 reboot, her character’s absence was addressed in the storyline, explaining that she had moved to London after a falling out with Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Despite not being part of the main cast, Cattrall made a brief cameo in season 2, further connecting her character to the storyline.
In a 2022 interview with Variety, Cattrall revealed that she was never formally approached to join the reboot. Her decision to distance herself from the project was made clear after the possibility of a third Sex and the City film fell through. The actress expressed her surprise at learning about the reboot through social media, like everyone else, indicating a lack of communication regarding her involvement in the revival.
The finale of And Just Like That… faced backlash for not featuring all three main stars—Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis—together in any scenes. Despite the criticism, writers of the show defended the episode, emphasising the enduring strength of the characters’ friendships. While viewers may have had mixed reactions to the finale, the writers aimed to capture the essence of the characters’ bond and growth throughout the series.
One writer, Julie Rottenberg, explained that the final scene of Carrie dancing alone in her apartment reflected a significant moment of self-realization and contentment. The decision to portray Carrie as a single, empowered woman was meant to resonate with the character’s journey and development over the years. The writers aimed to provide a satisfying conclusion that stayed true to Carrie’s evolution and personal growth.
As discussions around the conclusion of And Just Like That… continue to spark debate among fans, Kim Cattrall’s subtle nod to her iconic character’s impact on the franchise serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Sex and the City. While the series may have evolved over the years, the strong and complex characters, including Samantha Jones, continue to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.