Running Point Writers Eyed Kurt Russell for a Pivotal Role
Running Point could turn into a family affair: the powers that be have already discussed a perfect role for Kate Hudson’s stepfather Kurt Russell, and the idea bubbled up again at the April 15 season 2 premiere.
Kurt Russell has not popped up on Kate Hudson's Netflix comedy 'Running Point' yet, but the show already has a role teed up for him that feels almost too on the nose: the late Gordon family patriarch.
So, did they really talk about Kurt Russell joining?
At the season 2 premiere on Wednesday, April 15, someone floated the idea to the cast and producers, and the room basically lit up. Scott MacArthur (he plays Ness) joked he kind of already thinks of Russell as his dad anyway. Fabrizio Guido, who plays Jackie, the Gordon family's newest addition, sounded genuinely surprised he had not thought of it first and immediately loved the idea. Season 2 guest star Ken Marino? Also all-in, calling it a perfect fit.
Executive producer Jeanie Buss did not hesitate either, calling the notion amazing. And fellow EP David Stassen went one step further: he said the team has actually talked about it behind the scenes. Nothing official, but not just a fan wish, either.
'If we ever do see him, we could not do better than Kurt Russell.'
What is 'Running Point' again?
The show (back April 23) stars Kate Hudson, 46, as a reformed party kid who suddenly has to prove she can run her family's pro basketball team. It is a sports comedy that leans into cameos, which makes the Russell talk extra tempting. If they do bring him in as the deceased Gordon patriarch, expect it to be in flashbacks or some other clever device.
Who is in the mix this season
- Kate Hudson as the newly in-charge Gordon
- Scott MacArthur as Ness
- Fabrizio Guido as Jackie, the Gordon family's newcomer
- Chet Hanks
- Toby Sandeman
- Justin Theroux
- Drew Tarver
- Brenda Song
- Uche Agada
- Plus, guest star Ken Marino in season 2
Hudson and Russell: the backstory that matters here
Kurt Russell, 75, has been with Hudson's mom, Goldie Hawn, since 1983, and he is a big reason Hudson became an actor in the first place. She grew up hanging around his sets — think 'Big Trouble in Little China ' — where the vibe was playful and imaginative (she remembers literal slides landing into rubber fish), but also very 'hurry up and wait.' That is where she figured out she actually loved the work, even on the boring days.
There is also a neat career footnote: Russell once offered Hudson a role in his 1996 movie 'Escape from L.A.' She auditioned, landed it, and then turned it down because she did not want her early career defined by the narrative that she got a part through him. As she explained during a live taping of the 'Awards Chatter' podcast in June 2025, even if the performance was good, people would not see past the family connection — so she passed.
Bottom line
The show returns April 23 on Netflix. The cast wants Kurt Russell. The producers have talked about Kurt Russell. And honestly, casting him as the Gordon family's late patriarch feels like a layup. Now it is just a question of whether they run the play.