Laila Lockhart Kraner never imagined she’d be starring in a feature film alongside music legend Gloria Estefan when she first booked the voice role for “Gabby’s Dollhouse” on her 11th birthday. Now 17, Kraner is bringing the beloved animated character to life in the first big-screen adaptation of the popular children’s series. The movie expands the world of Gabby beyond her familiar bedroom setting, introducing live-action characters and maintaining the show’s core message of creativity and imagination.
“Seeing Gabby outside her room for the first time was something I was really excited for,” Kraner said. “We get to see that on an even bigger scale than we’ve seen before.”
The film continues the series’ signature style of direct audience engagement, with Gabby’s trademark moments of looking directly into the camera to connect with young viewers. Kraner believes this approach is what makes the character special, emphasizing the importance of teaching children valuable life lessons.
“It’s really cool to see the impact that I have,” she said. “I feel lucky that I could be a part of these kids’ childhood and teach them lessons that are so important – having a growth mindset and failing fantastically, as Gabby would say.”
For Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Estefan, the project was a family-approved venture. Her son, who works in film, immediately encouraged her to take the role. Estefan was particularly drawn to the film’s celebration of intergenerational relationships, reflecting her own close bond with her grandmother and grandson.
“What really drew me was the grandma-granddaughter relationship,” Estefan explained. “I was my grandma’s hero, and I have a super close relationship with my grandson, so I think that needs to be celebrated more in movies.”
The movie arrives at a crucial time for family entertainment, with Estefan noting the challenges faced by theaters in the post-COVID era. She sees the film as an opportunity for children to experience collective joy, comparing the potential audience interaction to classic audience participation films.
“To be able to be in a theater and have kids jump up and down and sing and dance and just let their energy fly – I think is a very unique thing,” she said.
The film also represents another milestone for Estefan, who is celebrating 50 years in music. She reflects on her career with profound gratitude, understanding the deep connection music creates with audiences.
“To be a part of people’s lives, like Dick Clark says, to be the soundtrack of their special moments – weddings, bar mitzvahs, celebrations – is a blessing,” Estefan said. “I get my niece and nephew in their 20s sending me clips of them in a club playing my music.”
This connection extends to her own recovery from a life-changing accident years ago, an experience where fan support played a crucial role. Estefan acknowledges the power of those prayers during her healing process.
“I appreciated those prayers because I internalized them, and they helped me heal,” she said.
For Kraner, the opportunity to be part of such a positive project is overwhelming. She appreciates the wonder and joy children bring to their interactions with the character.
“Getting to see that look of wonder on their faces is an unbeatable feeling,” Kraner said. “It’s hard to wrap my brain around sometimes, but I feel really lucky.”
“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” releasing this Friday from DreamWorks Animation, is directed by Ryan Crego (“Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh,” “I Heart Arlo”), produced by Steven Schweickart (“How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Croods” “Kung Fu Panda 4”) and executive produced by Jennifer Twomey and Traci Paige Johnson, based on the “Gabby’s Dollhouse” series created by them.
Watch an interview with Gloria Estefan, Laila Lockhart Kraner and DeWayne Hamby below.
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