Dolly Parton once turned down a $7 million offer to play a role in the 1984 film Supergirl, according to a 1992 interview with the Chicago Tribune that recently resurfaced after her death last month at the age of 80. Parton explained that she could not bring herself to portray an "evil" character, even though she was "impressed with the money." She questioned why she was being asked to play an "evil witch," stating that while she could be "an evil witch at times," that was not her real nature, and she did not have a desire to play such a role. The 1984 version of Supergirl starred Helen Slater as the titular superhero, who fought against Faye Dunaway's over-the-top villain, Selena. The film was not a critical or commercial success, and it is often remembered for its campy style and mixed reception. The Supergirl character, who is Superman’s cousin in the DC Universe, has been reimagined multiple times in various media. More recently, the character was rebooted in a 2024 film, with the role played by House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock. This new version of the story also drew mixed reviews. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent noted that while the film was not well-received overall, Alcock's performance stood out, writing that she "embraced both the aggro-sarcasm and tender vulnerability of a hero who doesn't believe they're a hero, but remains fundamentally good despite it." Both the 1984 and 2024 versions of Supergirl reflect the challenges of adapting superhero stories to the big screen, with differing interpretations of the character’s moral complexity. Parton’s decision to decline the role highlights the personal and ethical considerations that can influence an actor’s career choices, even when lucrative opportunities arise.