Kat Dennings, widely recognised for her role as Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently shared a humorous anecdote revealing a surprising moment of forgetfulness regarding her involvement with the blockbuster franchise. In an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show which aired on 29 July, the actress candidly admitted that, while enjoying a family outing at Disneyland, she momentarily forgot that she was part of the beloved Marvel universe.
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During her visit to the park, Dennings and her husband, rock musician Andrew W.K., were exploring the Avengers Campus when fans began to recognise her. Initially, she thought their enthusiasm was simply due to the joyous atmosphere of Disneyland, which markets itself as “the happiest place on Earth”. “Everyone was so friendly, and I was like, ‘Everyone is in the best mood,’” she reflected. However, it was not long before Dennings’s husband pointed out that the excitement was directed at her, prompting a lightbulb moment: “Oh my God, I’m in these movies! I forgot!” she exclaimed, comically realising that she is indeed a recognised figure in the MCU.
Kat Dennings first stepped into the MCU in 2011 with ‘Thor’, portraying Darcy Lewis, a research assistant to the character Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman. Her portrayal garnered positive responses, and she returned to the franchise for subsequent films, including ‘Thor: The Dark World’ in 2013, and made appearances in various television series such as ‘WandaVision’ and the animated series ‘What If…?’. Her character, a blend of wit and charm, has become a fan favourite over the years.
Reflecting on the day at Disneyland, Dennings noted how she was dressed casually in a flannel shirt, glasses, and a hat—outfits reminiscent of her character Darcy. “I was like, ‘I look just like Darcy Lewis.’ It was so stupid. I’m so dumb,” she remarked, clearly amused by the coincidence.
Although Denning’s experiences resonate with a sense of humour, they also highlight her refreshing attitude toward fame. “I don’t think I’m that famous,” she stated. With her voice often recognised but her face less so, Dennings expressed contentment with the “relative peace” her level of celebrity provides. Rather than dwelling on the pressures notability might bring, she seems to embrace a more grounded lifestyle, enjoying time away from the spotlight.
This isn’t the first time a Marvel star has forgotten their roles. Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her portrayal of Pepper Potts, has been in a similar situation. In 2019, during an episode of Jon Favreau’s cooking series, Paltrow famously forgot that she appeared in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, mistakenly believing her only appearances were in the Avengers series. This incident serves as a reminder of the vastness of the MCU, with many stars perhaps overwhelmed by the sheer number of films.
Dennings had previously shared her Disneyland experience on social media, joking about her forgetfulness and the enthusiastic fans who waved at her. Her post, which she shared in April 2025, echoes her appearance on Hudson’s show and has become part of her charm as a personality who does not take herself too seriously.
Beyond her work in the MCU and her comedic talent in shows like ‘2 Broke Girls’, which aired from 2011 to 2017, Dennings continues to be a relevant figure in contemporary television. She currently stars in ABC’s new series ‘Shifting Gears’ with a third season scheduled for release in 2027. This new venture demonstrates her ongoing evolution as an actress, maintaining an accessible public persona while contributing to the ever-expanding universe of television entertainment.
As Kat Dennings continues her journey in the entertainment industry, her light-hearted storytelling and candid reflections create an engaging narrative for her fans. With each new project, she not only entertains but also remains relatable by sharing moments that remind us of our own occasional lapses in memory, particularly when it comes to the many identities we juggle in our daily lives.