Key Points
- Dolly Parton Considered Role in Supergirl: In 1982, Dolly Parton expressed interest in a role in the film Supergirl, which starred Helen Slater.
- Role Taken by Faye Dunaway: The character Selena, whom Parton was considering, ultimately went to Faye Dunaway.
- Parton’s Reason for Declining: Parton later stated she rejected the role because she did not want to play “an evil part.”
Dolly Parton was almost a villain in the DC Cinematic Universe, specifically in the 1984 film Supergirl, where Helen Slater played the titular character. The witch Selena, who was meant to be an adversary for Supergirl, was played by Faye Dunaway, embracing the campy essence of comic book villains.
In a resurfaced interview from 1982, Parton mentioned her potential involvement, expressing interest in the character but also noting potential challenges, such as the filming location in London. She reflected, “I might play a witch, and if I do, I’ll have to go to London for three months… if I want to be a witch that bad.”
Despite the tempting offer, which included a hefty salary of $7 million, Parton declined the role, stating in a 1992 interview with the Chicago Tribune that she didn’t want to be perceived as an “evil witch.” She emphasized her desire not to cast herself in a negative light, preferring roles closer to her true persona, and highlighted her intent to make audiences feel good through her performances.
While the original Supergirl did not achieve great commercial success, Dolly Parton went on to star in projects that resonated with audiences, such as Steel Magnolias and Rhinestone.
