Last week, the trade papers announced that Kim Cattrall had secretly filmed a cameo for the second-season finale of And Just Like That. AJLT is the off-shoot of Sex and the City, with the same characters (minus Cattrall’s Sam Jones) and some bonus new characters. AJLT is Sarah Jessica Parker’s baby, because she just loves beating this dead horse, and I would assume she’s making a lot of money from it, given she’s still executive producing the series. It was actually when SJP became EP of SATC that everything went sideways between Cattrall and SJP – Sarah Jessica used her power to marginalize Kim and the Sam character and give Sam stupid storylines. Which is the whole reason why Kim refused to come back for a third SATC film, and why she refused to come back for AJLT. Producers must have kept coming back to Cattrall though, and kept begging and offering her more and more money. So she was in a position of power to dictate terms:
Page Six can reveal that Cattrall’s surprise second-season — said to be a “cliffhanger” — appearance did not come without its demands. According to sources, the actress refused to film with her former co-stars Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis. She also would not set foot on the Queens set if showrunner — and SJP ally — Michael Patrick King was there, highly-placed sources told Page Six.
One show source said: “Kim had two stipulations -—one, that she would not act with any of the other girls, and two, she did not want to see Michael Patrick King.”
The actress was a fan favorite but refused to return for a third “SATC” movie amid reports of friction between her and SJP — including the revelation that Cattrall felt she and her co-stars were not financially compensated well enough, with SJP paid more than them. Producers dismissed Samantha’s absence in the first few episodes of “AJLT” by making it clear that the character now lives in London and that she and Carrie had a fallout after the writer dumped her as a publicist.
But it seems like Cattrall got the last laugh in her buzzy return, as the show source said: “She will have gotten a s–tload of money. It just shows the power of Kim. They still need her on the show. But even though this may get fans thinking she’ll be back for the next season, she’ll never do that. She was treated poorly. I’m glad she gets to be the hero … I’m sure it took a lot of massaging to make the cameo happen.”
In the scene, Samantha is reportedly seen in a car having a phone conversation with Carrie. A spokesperson for HBO and Max told Page Six: “The offer presented to Kim was always to be a phone call, shot alone as most calls would be. This was an easy and convenient way for Samantha to return. We are delighted it worked out.”
Candace Bushnell, the celebrated writer, and creator of the “SATC” franchise, told Page Six: “I love Kim, everyone loves Kim. I’m sure she got paid handsomely … Kim is a grown woman and she does things on her own terms. It’s what the fans want.”
Bushnell who still gets a creator credit for “AJLT,” added: “Listen, I hope this series runs for a long time!”
Variety revealed as much last week, that Michael Patrick King wasn’t there, that Patricia Field came in to dress Kim one last time, and that Kim didn’t see or work with any of the other actresses. That being said, we didn’t know that Kim had specified that those were her conditions – we just assumed it. Of course she wouldn’t want to see MPK or SJP. I do think it’s funny that (supposedly) the scene she filmed was supposed to be a phone call between Sam and Carrie, and usually, between actors, the other actor “on the phone” will show up to run through the lines, off-camera, so it sounds like a natural conversation. Someone had to sit there and feed Carrie’s lines to Kim. I wonder if she specified who should do that. I would also assume that she got script approval, at least for that one scene. What would be the point of negotiating all of this if they were going to make her say some dumb sh-t? And no, I don’t believe Kim is “coming back.” This was a one-and-done thing for her, and she probably just did it for her fans, not for anyone else.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
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- Kim Cattrall attends Peacocks “Queer As Folk” World Premiere Event, in partnership with Outfest’s OutFronts Festival, at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on June 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California,Image: 696841682, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Kim Cattrall, Credit line: – / JPI Studios / Avalon
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- Kim Cattrall attends GLAMOUR Women Of The Year Awards 2022 at Outernet in London.,Image: 736155210, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Ana M. Wiggins / Avalon
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- -New York, NY – 9-08-09 All Four of The Sex in The City Ladies Reunited On Set -PICTURED: Kim Catrall, Sara Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis -PHOTO by: Freddy Baez/startraksphoto.com -FB931 #Event/#Photo= 3650D0D1127/3650D0D3008 #Event/#Photo= 3650D0D1127/3650D0D3008 Featuring: Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis Where: New York , NY , USA When: 08 Sep 2009 Credit: Freddy Baez/startraksphoto.com
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- New York, NY – September 14, 2009 – Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis filming scenes of Sex And The City 2. -PICTURED: Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker -PHOTO by: Freddie Baez/startraksphoto.com -FB8053485 #Event/#Photo= 365CCADA149/365CCADB004 Featuring: Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker Where: New York , NY , USA When: 14 Sep 2009 Credit: Freddie Baez/startraksphoto.com
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- September 8, 2009: Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon on the set of ‘Sex & the City 2’ which is currently filming in New York City. Credit: Donnelly/Mauceri/INFphoto.com Ref.: infusny-101/141/nEditorial Rights Managed Image ? Please contact www.INSTARimages.com for licensing feeby phone at 212-414-0207 or email sales@instarimages.com – Image or video may not be published in any way that is or might be deemed defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene / Please consult our sales department for any clarification or question you may have – http://www.INSTARimages.com reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image r video. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or video, and where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or statutory damage. Featuring: Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon Where: New York City, New York, United States When: 08 Sep 2009 Credit: Donnelly/Mauceri/INFphoto.com
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- ‘About My Father’ premiere at the SVA Theatre in New York. Featuring: Kim Cattrall Where: New York, New York, United States When: 09 May 2023 Credit: Media Punch/INSTARimages
Pretty much sums up as to who was the most loved character and actor compared to SJP! Since HBO Max met all of her demands, they were desperate for Cattrall to make a cameo in an attempt to create more buzz for a failing show as well.
They need this show to die off as it’s apparently on life support and HBO Max knows it. Why else would they pay Cattrall a butt load of money??
I think you got it right. I heard it was the head of HBO that coordinated this- behind the backs of SJP and MPK.
It will be interesting to hear how they spin it in interviews. They have to know kim will call them out if they do any BS.
Could HBO actually do this behind the backs of the people who produce the show? I ask because while reading the article I couldn’t figure out what was in it for SJP and the production company if they knew Kim would never agree to come back full time. If the series is on life support, it makes more sense that everyone was on board with this. Still, it seems like a temporary solution and HBO should just pull the plug.
Hey Brassy Rebel, it must have been done behind their backs because SJP and MPK said they would never ask her back.
This is very much like the demise of Kalinda on The Good Wife. Julianna Margulies (Alicia) was a mean girl to Archie Panjabi (the Kalinda character became very popular) and towards the end of Archie’s time on the show, the scenes between Alicia & Kalinda were ALL phone scenes; they tried to quash the whole issue by cobbing a split-screen shot of Alicia & Kalinda having a drink in a bar before Archie left the show. It was painfully obvious the scene was shot with each of them separately being filmed. When one character was speaking, you saw only the back of the other characters head (no profile or facial features), so there was conjecture these were stand-ins wearing wigs.
SJP was a sh*t to Kim (and allegedly the other costars followed SJP’s lead). If Kim found a way
to participate that did not involve toxic communication with SJP, MKP – good for her. SJP’s passive-aggressive “we wouldn’t have her back due to the negative remarks Kim has made” is professional-level victimhood.
T.LO in their podcast have a theory that I share: Samantha will die.
I hope Kim got TONS of money.
And the show with it. No one cares about those three without Samantha. They even wrote Miranda like crap now.
JUSTICE FOR STEVE!!!!
Steve hopefully will find someone who loves and appreciates him. He can take the wedding ring off from his first marriage and remarry And if Miranda wants another chance too bad.
OMG. I think you’re right @ Eleonor
Reading tbis reminds me of the story about Elizabeth Taylor not wanting to do “Cleopatra,” and telling them no a number of times, until one day she said, “Only if you pay me a million dollars,” thinking they never would.
And they did because they wanted her so much.
Go get it Kim!
And I may actually actually watch one episode (hers) for this show.
I wonder if Kim’s character could spin off into her own show with a completely different show runner? She is such a boss for how she’s handled this.
I’m wondering is she’s got a deal with HBO for another project and this was part of the negotiations. Get that money, Kim. Everyone loved Samantha best and you know that.
This is a good theory! I hope it’s true. I don’t think it’s “selling out” for Kim to get herself (and presumably Patricia Fields) a big paycheque, hopefully get even more work, and also do a little bit of an “eff you” to SJP for setting her own terms and bringing actual excitement to this series.
I still won’t be watching, but I could see the rest of the cast be chagrined that everyone loves Samantha and nobody cares to see Aiden and Carrie 4.0.
The show changed a lot after Darren Starr left – I believe after the 3rd season. You can see…it became less raw in ways. He was also not afraid of Carrie looking bad, ie. the Big affair. Darren was who got Kim on the show – Michael was always loyal to Sarah for good reason. She was an exec producer and for all intents and purposes, the star.
I see two scenarios – one, this is a farewell and they are killing off Samantha. Maybe she has cancer again and is saying goodbye? Or HBO wants to do a spin-off with her in London.
Carrie still looked unsympathetic after the big affair like wearing Aiden engagement ring on a necklace around her neck. He should have broken.up with her then and there. Also when she yelled at Charlotte for not lending her money.
Good for Kim!
We all know her cameo will bring the viewers.
At least the advance press will help keep expectations in check on some.level. Remember that THE Good Wife ending with Archie Panjaba and Juliana Margulies
Good point! I still want to know what happened with The Good Wife. They ruined Archie’s character with that stupid s&m storyline. The first ‘50 shades of grey’ movie had just been released and they were chasing that noise.
Precisely my sentiment upthread. Julianna Margulies was meaning-girling Archie Panjabi; Julianna Margulies was an executive producer and invented a storyline to write her out of the show. Talk about toxic!
The storyline Kim Cattrall rejected was Sam receiving dickpics from another characters 20ish year old son (forget which character it was). So disrespectful and insulting. Honestly, angers me thinking about it. I am 100% team Kim and give her so much credit for acting her butt off despite being given asinine storylines.
It was when Brady for 14 and was supposed to be a storyline for the third movie :(.
It’s sick!
I wonder if the Stanford Blatch character will get a proper send off. The death of Willie Garson hit me hard. It must have been devastating to his friends, family and those who worked with him.
I thought if the Stanford Blatch character has a death on AJLT, it would be appropriate for Samantha to reach out to Carrie. And to honor Willie Garson, Kim Cattrall and SJP could put aside their issues.
I was hard to watch him. He looked like he was in such pain. His passing was such a sad thing. He was so loved by his son, family & friends. There are not enough middle fingers for cancer
I will take Samantha any way I can get her, even if it’s just a brief cameo.
Good for her! Love Kim C. And yet, I think SJP & MPK will manage to screw this up too.
If anyone wants to see Kim Cattrall at her best watch the episode where she features on the UK version of ‘Who do you think you are?”
She is so sweet in that episode speaking to her great aunt in Liverpool and her mother and aunts are such sweethearts. Cried all the way through.
Old broad drama. Yuck.
I know how popular Sam is with fans and I don’t think they should have killed her character off or anything like that, but I do think it would have been a really brave choice to just have her not be friends with the group anymore. People fall out, friendships end. Enough with these revived series and their “everyone still talks and so many of us live in the same place and no one has anybody new or more important in our lives than these people we knew 20 years ago.”
I am old and I am cranky. Get off my lawn.
If Carrie were a real person (as opposed to SJP’s fanfic self-insert), I don’t think any of the characters would still be friends with her. Miranda (as she was in the series) and Sam would have seen through her incredible selfishness in about series 2 (if they lasted that long) while Charlotte was such a doormat that she’d have probably lasted until she got married the second time. As soon as she started focussing on a husband and child and was no longer prepared to make Carrie the centre of her life, I think Carrie would have dumped *her*.
Wish I could dictate who I worked with and still get paid a ton of money.
Why couldn’t it have been :Samantha and Smith developed a show that was being made in the UK and she moved for work then couldn’t fly back because of Covid and she decided to stay and run their production company there. They could have said they talk and visit. Why does women’s friendships always have to be played out as dramatic. There didn’t even have to be a falling out or death, just stuff changed!
We all know everybody watched mostly for Samantha, of course they would beg her to come.
I didn’t even bother watching AJLT, I will just watch Kim’s cameo.
Good for her. I hope she made bank, she deserves it. I didn’t bother with the first season of AJLT and won’t with this one, I’ll find the cameo clip online.
I hope she was paid millions and glad she got to dictate the terms. Love her forever and always!
It has always BURNED the hell out of SJP that Kim/Samantha was a fan favourite and its why she has storylines intended to embarrass Kim – SJP is an evil cow!!!!!
Am glad KC got to come back on her own terms – that means Kim has power, power that SJP doesn’t have. If its true the it was the studio who pulled this off – it means Kim got promises and potential other opportunities.
People will tune in just for this – suck to be you Carrie!!
Kim has been classy for YEARS around this whole mess. I do think the fan outpouring was a bit of a surprise for her and can buy that she made the deal as a fan service. But I would LOVE if it was negotiated in relation to a Sam spinoff or another Kim project- she’s always fantastic!
I’ve said it before, but I think the reason SJP keeps this series going is not so much that she’s beating a dead horse as she lives in upscale New York, and she and Matthew Broderick need to keep the money coming in if they want to continue doing that.
Whereas Kim Cattrall lives in rural Vancouver Island and can spend the rest of her life sipping tea on her deck if she likes. She has zero incentive to continue working a job that turned toxic.
Supposedly SJP and Broderick own a compound in the Hamptons. I remember seeing some aerial pictures once. I think it’s in one of the pricier parts, too (they’re all pricy but some are outrageously so). That has to be expensive to maintain and the taxes would be high too. It could be worth in the tens of millions.
They have a TON of money. She doesn’t have to keep doing this for money. I think she keeps doing it because she never made it in the movies. I think Matthew Broderick had a piece of The Producers, that and Sex in the City, ensures that unless they spend money like fools, they really don’t need it.
Get your money, Kim! Love this development.
I don’t understand….things seemed to go sour when Kim asked for more equal pay for herself and the other girls yet Kim gets sidelined and meangirled? Shouldn’t SJP be ostracized? At the very least shouldn’t everyone just be chill? Why is Kim the pariah?
I love Kim; team Kim forever though never watched the show much. Think this was her way of saying FU to SJP and MPK. They should have all been paid the same after the first season. The pay disparity was enormous and Kim was right to lash out at SJP’s petty leaks and greedy pay cheque, which she got out of cunning and politics at the expense of her colleagues and human decency.
I never really followed this show, and when I did I couldn’t relate to any one of the characters very much. I guess if anything I was a cross between Charlotte and Miranda. That said, it seems that SJP is just an absolute petty cow and terrible co-worker. I’m glad KC got to come back on her terms and get a nice fat paycheck for it.
I hate how they ruined Miranda. I don’t care about her being queer but hared the insensitive, callous way she treated Steve. Just ugh. Re- writing show history implying that she didn’t want to get married when she asked HIM and then how he was the one ignoring the marriage when we clearly learned in the first movie that she was the one putting him off and ignoring him. I hope he starts dating some high powered woman while she sits back with Che( who is horrible, poor Sara Ramirez deserves better) and gets what she deserves.