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\u201cSeeing Gabby outside her room for the first time was something I was really excited for,\u201d Kraner said. \u201cWe get to see that on an even bigger scale than we\u2019ve seen before.\u201d<\/p>\n
The film continues the series\u2019 signature style of direct audience engagement, with Gabby\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really cool to see the impact that I have,\u201d she said. \u201cI feel lucky that I could be a part of these kids\u2019 childhood and teach them lessons that are so important \u2013 having a growth mindset and failing fantastically, as Gabby would say.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s celebration of intergenerational relationships, reflecting her own close bond with her grandmother and grandson.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat really drew me was the grandma-granddaughter relationship,\u201d Estefan explained. \u201cI was my grandma\u2019s hero, and I have a super close relationship with my grandson, so I think that needs to be celebrated more in movies.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be able to be in a theater and have kids jump up and down and sing and dance and just let their energy fly \u2013 I think is a very unique thing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be a part of people\u2019s lives, like Dick Clark says, to be the soundtrack of their special moments \u2013 weddings, bar mitzvahs, celebrations \u2013 is a blessing,\u201d Estefan said. \u201cI get my niece and nephew in their 20s sending me clips of them in a club playing my music.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciated those prayers because I internalized them, and they helped me heal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting to see that look of wonder on their faces is an unbeatable feeling,\u201d Kraner said. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to wrap my brain around sometimes, but I feel really lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGabby\u2019s Dollhouse: The Movie,\u201d releasing this Friday from DreamWorks Animation, is directed by Ryan Crego (\u201cHome: Adventures with Tip & Oh,\u201d \u201cI Heart Arlo\u201d), produced by Steven Schweickart (\u201cHow to Train Your Dragon,\u201d \u201cThe Croods\u201d \u201cKung Fu Panda 4\u201d) and executive produced by Jennifer Twomey and Traci Paige Johnson, based on the \u201cGabby\u2019s Dollhouse\u201d series created by them.<\/p>\n
Watch an interview with Gloria Estefan, Laila Lockhart Kraner and DeWayne Hamby below.<\/p>\n