Tori Spelling Originally Turned Down the Lead Role in “Abducted in the Everglades” — Here’s Why She Later Took It on (Exclusive)

Tori Spelling Opens Up About Initially Declining Lead Role in Film ‘Abducted in the Everglades’ (Exclusive)

Tori Spelling recently revealed details about turning down the starring role in the Lifetime movie ‘Abducted in the Everglades’ initially, exclusively to PEOPLE. The actress shared that the opportunity clashed with her commitment to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 33, where she got eliminated early on.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Spelling expressed, “I was offered this movie, but it didn’t line up because I was doing Dancing with the Stars, and I was committed to that. You never know how long you’re going to be on for.” Despite her elimination from the reality show, she shared, “I didn’t expect to be eliminated the second show, and I was like, ‘Oh, goodness,’ but the silver lining, the Everglade lining, was this movie was still there, and they were like, ‘Oh, we really wanted Tori to star in it,’ and I was available.”

Spelling articulated her belief in fate, stating, “I believe there [are] no coincidences in life, and everything happens when it’s supposed to happen, and it’s your journey.” She then elaborated on how she transitioned straight from the setback on ‘DWTS’ to embracing the opportunity in ‘Abducted in the Everglades.’

The Lifetime film follows Indiana mother Beverly as she embarks on a journey to Florida to find her daughter who goes missing during Spring Break in Miami. Spelling found the role appealing, mentioning, “I love a good woman in peril movie, and it’s nice to know that I can still be, like, kicking butt and doing my jam on a Lifetime movie. I loved it.” She also shared her immersive experience during filming in the Everglades, surrounded by the swamp and alligators.

During the interview, Spelling highlighted the film’s resonance with her as a mother, expressing, “What this mother goes through in this movie is every mother’s worst nightmare.” She praised the script and the camaraderie among the cast and crew, emphasizing the joy of working on a project that felt right for her at that moment.

The actress shared anecdotes from filming, including doing her stunts and navigating an airboat in the Everglades. She recounted, “I think 70% of the entire movie we filmed actually in the Everglades. I did all my own stunts. I got to drive an airboat. It was amazing.”

‘Abducted in the Everglades’ is set to premiere on Lifetime on March 2 at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST, offering viewers a glimpse into Spelling’s riveting performance in the intense thriller. Throughout her enlightening conversation, Spelling’s passion for her craft and the project shone through, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the film’s release.