Selena Gomez has been portraying the vivacious Mavis in the “Hotel Transylvania” films for a decade, and the multi-hyphenate global star admits it was difficult to say goodbye to the beloved franchise with the upcoming fourth feature.
Gomez, a critically regarded singer, and performer debuted in the animated film series with “Hotel Transylvania” in 2012, followed by sequels “Hotel Transylvania 2” (2015) and “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” (2016).
The fourth film, “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania,” will bring the franchise to a close, as well as Gomez’s character Mavis and her husband Jonathan, who is voiced by Andy Samberg.
“I’m sad, of course. Obviously, it was so much fun and it was years of my life and it felt like home. It felt like a family. So it’s bittersweet.”
“I believe we were running out of ideas, and we’ve done a terrific job of incorporating incredibly powerful messages into our films. So I’m not sure. I’m disappointed. Andy and I are the two of us. We’ll have to come up with something else to do together,” in a Zoom interview with PTI, the 29-year-old actor said.
The “Hotel Transylvania” films will always hold a special place in Gomez’s heart, as he began his profession as a teen actor on the TV show “Barney & Friends” and later starred as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007–2012).
Gomez has built a strong record over the years, with roles in films like “Spring Breakers,” “Getaway,” “The Fundamentals of Caring,” and “A Rainy Day in New York.”
Gomez, on the other hand, is known for her singing, with hits such as “Come & Get It,” “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” “Good for You,” “Same Old Love,” “Hands to Myself,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” and “It Ain’t Me.”
When asked about her role as Mavis in the “Hotel Transylvania” films, Gomez remarked that she recently observed that her voice has “shifted” over the course of four films.
She went on to say that she could identify with Mavis’ experience throughout the franchise.
“I believe Mavis is really concerned about her family and wants to ensure that everyone is happy. I’m guilty of being a people pleaser from time to time. It’s good, but you also have to look after yourself from time to time. As a result, I relate to her in that sense.”
Jennifer Kluska and Derek Drymon direct “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania,” which will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, based on a story by Amos Vernon, Nunzio Randazzo, and Genndy Tartakovsky, who helmed the first three films.
Brian Hull (Drac), Jim Gaffigan (Van Helsing), Kathryn Hahn (Ericka), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin the Invisible Man), and Keegan-Michael Key all had roles in the film (Murray).
While one journey has come to a stop for Gomez, another has just begun for the actress, who was most lately witnessed in the blockbuster hit mystery comedy series “Only Murders in the Building,” which also starred Steve Martin and Martin Short.
The programme, which premiered on Hulu last year, won universal acclaim for its story, music, and locale, as well as the three principal actors’ performances.
The series’ second season is now under production, and Gomez is working on it.
“It’s reasonable to say that when you’re working with Steve Martin and Martin Short, you’re working with legends with a fan base that spans generations.” It was thrilling for me to introduce Steve and Marty to my eight-year-old sister.
“So I believe it was a combination of the team behind it and the fact that it was established during the pandemic. It’s strange to suggest that ‘Only Murders in the Building’ was a reassuring show, but it worked in part because we sought to make people laugh while simultaneously keeping them on their toes and thrilling them throughout. As a result, it was a lot of fun. I’m pleased that people enjoy it,” she continued.
