Dolly Parton Turned Down $7 Million for a ‘Supergirl’ Role — Here’s Why
Dolly Parton was once offered a staggering $7 million to star in the 1984 superhero movie Supergirl. But even that huge paycheck was not enough to convince the country legend to take the role.
Parton was considered for the role of Selena, the villainous witch who ultimately was played by Faye Dunaway. The opportunity came while Parton was already building a successful acting career following her breakout role in 9 to 5.
Dolly Parton Was Initially Interested
In a resurfaced 1982 interview, Parton discussed the possibility of playing the witch.
At the time, she appeared open to the idea. However, there was one major concern: filming would require her to spend about three months in London.
Parton was also aware that the character was a villain. She described the role as a witch who could be funny and magical, but the character would ultimately serve as the movie’s main antagonist.
The role eventually went to Dunaway.
Why Dolly Parton Rejected the $7 Million Offer
Years later, Parton explained why she ultimately turned down the opportunity.
In a 1992 interview with the Chicago Tribune, she revealed that she had been offered $7 million to play the character. While she admitted that the money impressed her, she did not want to portray an evil character.
Parton felt that playing a purely evil role did not fit who she was or how she wanted to be seen.
She also questioned why filmmakers thought she would be right for an evil witch in the first place.
Faye Dunaway Took the Role Instead
Faye Dunaway ultimately played Selena in Supergirl, starring alongside Helen Slater as the title character.
The 1984 movie was not a major critical or box-office success, but the film has remained part of superhero movie history.
For Parton, however, turning down the role allowed her to continue choosing characters that felt more natural to her public image and personality.
Her acting career went on to include memorable performances in movies such as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Dolly Parton Chose Her Image Over the Money
The story is another example of how carefully Parton approached her career.
She was willing to walk away from a massive paycheck rather than take a role she did not feel comfortable playing.
At the time, $7 million was an enormous offer. Yet Parton decided that staying true to herself mattered more than the money.
Her decision means fans never got to see what Dolly Parton might have done with the role of Selena.
