Amanda Seyfried Sets Sights on Dolly Parton Biopic Role
Hollywood actress Amanda Seyfried has openly declared her wish to play music legend Dolly Parton in a future film project. She describes Parton as "one of the best human beings on the planet" and believes portraying her would be a fun and meaningful experience.
A Missed Opportunity with Joni Mitchell
Seyfried also revealed a past project that never came to fruition. She was once lined up to play folk icon Joni Mitchell in a biopic. The actress prepared extensively for the role, learning Mitchell's iconic "Blue" album and mastering the guitar in a new way.
"I did prepare for that role," Seyfried explained during a Deadline Q&A session. "It was a project that was kind of on the verge and I had an incredible time. It was musically so incredibly challenging and so fun." She expressed how fulfilling it was to nail the songs, making them feel like second nature.
Other Musical Biopic Possibilities
When asked about other potential roles, the actress mentioned two more musical figures. She pointed to the tragic story of singer Eva Cassidy as having film potential. Seyfried also suggested the idea of a Dolly Parton musical, highlighting the star's incredible voice and life story.
Her current focus remains on portraying musicians who play instruments on screen. "I would love to play a musician who plays the guitar because that's like the thing that's hardest right now," she admitted, emphasizing the artistic challenge it presents.
Challenges in Her Latest Film Role
Seyfried is currently showcasing her vocal talents in the new film 'The Testament of Ann Lee.' She plays the title role of the 18th-century founder of the Shakers sect. However, the recording process proved exceptionally difficult this time.
"Some of it was un-singing," she told Variety. "A lot of it was animal sounds as opposed to melodic sounds." The actress described the experience as stressful, requiring her to abandon her usual singing style to capture raw emotion.
She specifically mentioned the challenging "birthing song Human Treasures," which required multiple takes. "I had to release my ear, my needs, Amanda's needs, in order to find the voice that held the passion, the rawness, the grief and the desperation," she explained.
A Departure from Past Musical Roles
This role marks a significant departure from Seyfried's previous musical performances. Audiences know her singing from the 'Mamma Mia!' films and the 'Les Miserables' adaptation. She confirmed this latest project felt very different from those earlier experiences.
The actress continues to seek roles that push her artistic boundaries, whether through portraying real-life music legends or tackling vocally demanding characters in historical dramas.
