And Just Like That... season three is on the way, but bringing Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones back to NYC could take a large amount of cash.
Kim sent fans into overdrive following her brief guest appearance in AJLT season two. The cameo – which took four hours to film and didn’t involve any interaction with the rest of the cast – saw her take home $1m (£775k).
Kim appeared to shut down rumours of a return last week, replying to a fan on social media who hinted at Samantha’s comeback with, “That’s so kind, but I’m not.” But a source tells heat that Kim’s public denial could be part of her comeback strategy for the show, which has started filming its third season – especially for the right price.
“Kim is a master tactician, so this could easily be part of her negotiating strategy,” we’re told. “She made a fortune last time, and she’ll no doubt want even more money this time. The reality is, if she gives in too easily, they won’t cough up the maximum amount. It’s very telling that she made the effort to even comment on this, but because she’s addressed the situation again, it’s now back in the headlines. Her aim is to remind producers just how valuable she is.”
In the years following the end of Sex And The City, the 67-year-old actress has had a well-publicised feud with co-star and AJLT exec producer Sarah Jessica Parker, and also slammed some of the suggested storylines for Samantha.
After her cameo last year, Kim insisted that she wouldn’t consider another return, saying, “This is as far as I’m going to go.”
Now, we’re told that Kim’s mind could be changed. “The last time the head of HBO had to personally call her up and talk her into it, and that’s the sort of treatment Kim wants every time,” we’re told.
“So many fans and critics pointed out that it just isn’t the same without Samantha. During all her years working on the original, Kim never felt that she was properly respected, so it’s nice to get this affirmation of just how crucial a role she played in the success of the series.”
And alongside phone calls from HBO bosses, we’re told there could be some much-needed persuasion from Sarah Jessica, 59. The source reveals, “There’s a big ego element in this for Kim, and some people have even hinted that she’s waiting for a call from SJP begging her to come back.”
But while it’s a move that could work, we’re told SJP is less than impressed at the idea of grovelling.
The source says, “It’s hard to imagine SJP doing that, but then again, she is an executive producer. She could potentially swallow her pride and do it for the sake of the show.”
