25 years of Dogma: Salma Hayek calls playing Serendipity a special gift
Salma Hayek is celebrating 25 years since the release of Dogma, the bold and controversial 1999 religious satire film directed by Kevin Smith. On Friday, June 6, Hayek took to Instagram to reflect on her unforgettable role as Serendipity, an uncredited muse who added a spark of wit and chaos to the story. With the film now back in theaters for a limited time, fans are reliving the movie’s unique mix of faith, humor, and controversy.
In her emotional Instagram post, Hayek shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the Dogma set. One clip featured her character, Serendipity, set to the catchy tune of New Edition’s “Candy Girl.” Alongside the visuals, she expressed her gratitude for being part of a film that pushed boundaries.
“It’s been 25 years since Dogma hit theatres – and what a wild, unforgettable ride it was,” she wrote. “Playing Serendipity was a gift I’ll always treasure: a character full of fire, wit, and chaos in the best way.”
Hayek also gave a heartfelt shout-out to director Kevin Smith and her co-stars. These included Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock, and the late Alan Rickman, who played the angel Metatron. She concluded her post by acknowledging the movie’s return to the big screen:
“Grateful to @thatkevinsmith for this one-of-a-kind film… and I still can’t believe I was part of something so bold.”
Kevin Smith, in response, commented on her post:
“Bless you, Muse! Thanks for helping me make my dopey dream come true a quarter century ago! ❤️”
When Dogma originally premiered in 1999, it sparked massive discussions and drew protests from religious groups. The movie presented a fresh and daring take on Christian mythology, led by Damon and Affleck as fallen angels trying to exploit a loophole to get back into heaven—at the risk of ending all existence.
Despite the controversy, Dogma quickly earned cult status, thanks to its mix of clever dialogue, dark humor, and spiritual depth. Fans appreciated its boldness in exploring faith through a satirical lens.
In a recent interview, Smith reflected on the film’s legacy.
“The kid who made this movie, this was his expression of faith,” he said. “This was his idea of church. Imagine if church was this fun… instead of sounding like we’re mourning our faith every week.”
He added that the film was originally intended to feel like a celebration of belief, especially for those who might have stepped away from organized religion.
“It was meant to be a party back then, and now, in 2025, that’s how it plays every night. The audience is very loud.”
Smith also revealed he’s been thinking about a Dogma sequel. After 25 years, he’s interested in revisiting the story from a new perspective—someone who once had faith, but no longer does.
“I’ve been whimsying about a sequel for the last six months,” he told PEOPLE. “This time, I want to explore what happens when you’ve lost that faith and are trying to make sense of it again.”
While it remains unclear whether a sequel will materialize, fans are flocking to theaters to watch the original Dogma again. The special re-release began on June 5, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience the film’s message and humor on the big screen.
Over the years, Dogma has remained a standout in Kevin Smith’s filmography. Its return to cinemas is not just a celebration of the film but also a tribute to the cast, including stars like Jason Lee and Alanis Morissette, who played God in one of the movie’s most talked-about twists.
For Salma Hayek, who has since become a global star, Serendipity holds a special place in her heart. Her latest post shows just how much the experience meant to her—even decades later.
As the film continues to entertain and provoke thought, it’s clear that Dogma still resonates. With themes of belief, rebellion, and redemption, the film’s legacy is stronger than ever.
Catch Dogma in theaters now and relive one of the boldest films of the ’90s.
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