Country music legend Dolly Parton nearly added a surprising credit to her acting résumé: a villainous role in a DC superhero movie.
Before Faye Dunaway portrayed Selena in the 1984 film Supergirl, Parton was considered for the magical antagonist opposite Helen Slater’s Supergirl.
The unexpected casting story has resurfaced decades later, offering fans a fascinating look at what could have been one of the most unusual superhero movie casting decisions of the 1980s.
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning music, film, television, business, and philanthropy.
Dolly Parton Was Considered for the Villain in ‘Supergirl’
According to a resurfaced 1982 interview, Parton revealed that she was discussing the possibility of playing a witch in the upcoming Supergirl movie.
The character was Selena, the primary villain who would eventually be played by Academy Award-winning actress Faye Dunaway.
Parton described the character as magical and funny, suggesting she was at least intrigued by the opportunity.
However, there was one major practical issue: the production would require her to spend several months filming in London.
Parton was already balancing a hugely successful music career with a growing list of movie roles, making such a lengthy commitment a significant decision.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Parton was ultimately offered approximately $7 million for the role before passing on the project.
Why Dolly Parton Turned Down ‘Supergirl’
Money apparently wasn’t enough to convince Parton.
In a later interview, the singer explained that she had reservations about playing a character she viewed as fundamentally evil.
Parton was surprised filmmakers had envisioned her as a villain and ultimately decided the character did not fit the type of screen roles she wanted to pursue.
That decision reflected Parton’s broader approach to acting.
Rather than attempting to completely disappear into characters far removed from her personality, Parton often gravitated toward roles that incorporated elements of her natural humor, warmth, confidence, and Southern identity.
Selena ultimately went to Faye Dunaway.
What Was Dolly Parton’s Acting Career Like?
Although Parton will always be best known as one of country music’s most influential artists, she also built an impressive acting career.
Her breakthrough movie role came in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, where she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
Parton later appeared in movies including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, and Straight Talk.
Many of those characters played to qualities audiences already associated with Parton, including her comedic timing, Southern charm, and larger-than-life personality.
Playing a supernatural comic-book villain could have taken her film career in an entirely different direction.
Who Played Selena in ‘Supergirl’?
Faye Dunaway ultimately took on the role of Selena in Supergirl.
Released in 1984, the superhero movie starred Helen Slater as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin.
The film followed Kara after she traveled to Earth and became Supergirl, eventually facing Selena, a powerful witch who gains access to a dangerous source of magical power.
The movie was an early attempt to expand the Superman franchise around another major DC character.
While Supergirl did not become the blockbuster franchise its filmmakers hoped for, the film developed a place in superhero movie history — and its casting could have looked very different with Parton as its central villain.
Dolly Parton’s Casting Story Shows How Different Movies Can Become
Hollywood is filled with famous examples of actors who nearly played iconic characters.
Casting directors, producers, studios, and filmmakers may consider multiple performers before a role is finalized. An actor can be approached, audition, negotiate an offer, or even express interest without ultimately appearing in the finished production.
Sometimes scheduling gets in the way. Other times an actor decides the character is not the right creative fit.
Parton’s Supergirl story appears to have involved both.
The London production schedule presented a challenge, while playing an overtly evil character did not align with the types of roles Parton wanted at that stage of her acting career.
For actors, it is another reminder that casting is rarely as straightforward as seeing a name in the final credits.
What Actors Can Learn From Dolly Parton’s Decision
Turning down a multimillion-dollar superhero role might seem unimaginable for many performers, but Parton’s decision illustrates an important career principle: not every opportunity is necessarily the right opportunity.
Actors often have to consider more than compensation or the visibility of a project.
A role can affect an actor’s public image, future casting opportunities, schedule, creative direction, and long-term career goals.
For emerging actors, the circumstances will obviously be different from those of an established superstar. Still, understanding what types of projects support your career goals can become increasingly important as opportunities grow.
At the same time, performers should remain open to unexpected casting possibilities.
After all, somewhere in an alternate version of Hollywood history, Dolly Parton could have been battling Supergirl on the big screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Dolly Parton supposed to be in ‘Supergirl’?
Dolly Parton was considered for the role of Selena in the 1984 movie Supergirl. She discussed the potential role publicly before ultimately deciding not to take it.
Who was Dolly Parton going to play in ‘Supergirl’?
Parton was considered to play Selena, a magical villain who serves as the movie’s main antagonist.
How much was Dolly Parton offered for ‘Supergirl’?
Parton later said she had been offered approximately $7 million to play the role that eventually went to Faye Dunaway.
Why did Dolly Parton turn down ‘Supergirl’?
Parton cited both the demands of spending months filming in London and her reluctance to portray an evil character. She generally preferred acting roles that reflected elements of her own personality.
Who played Selena in the 1984 ‘Supergirl’ movie?
Faye Dunaway ultimately played Selena opposite Helen Slater, who starred as Supergirl.
What movies did Dolly Parton act in?
Parton appeared in several notable movies, including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, and Straight Talk.
Who played Supergirl in the 1984 movie?
Helen Slater played Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, in the 1984 film.
Where can actors find movie and TV casting calls?
Actors can discover film, television, commercial, modeling, and entertainment industry opportunities through Project Casting. Performers can also use Project Casting to follow industry news and learn more about navigating auditions and building an acting career.
