Kristen Wiig and Gloria Estefan are set to grace the silver screen in "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie," marking their exciting venture into the hybrid live-action and animated film directed by Ryan Crego. The dream collaboration was confirmed by Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation, who made the announcement from the grandeur of the Colosseum stage within Caesars Palace in Las Vegas during Universal Pictures' prestigious CinemaCon presentation.
Laila Lockhart Kraner, the beloved star of the small-screen series, will reprise her iconic role in "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie." The film chronicles Gabby's adventurous road trip with her Grandma Gigi (portrayed by Estefan) to the mesmerizing urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. However, a twist arises when Gabby's most cherished dollhouse falls into the clutches of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (played by Wiig). Determined, Gabby embarks on an exhilarating journey through the real world to reunite her Gabby Cats and rescue her dollhouse before it's lost forever. The screenplay masterfully weaves the tale by Crego, alongside Melanie Wilson LaBracio and Adam Wilson.
Now streaming on Netflix for its eleventh season, "Gabby's Dollhouse" was created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey. The series, which consistently ranks among Netflix's top 10 most-watched TV shows, follows a tween who, upon unboxing magical items, shrinks into an animated version of herself using her enchanting cat ears to embark on miniature adventures with her feline friends, the Gabby Cats.
While on stage, Cohn highlighted the phenomenal cultural footprint that Gabby has etched in her brief but impactful existence since her creation by DreamWorks. She cited a YouTube channel boasting three billion views, a thriving line of best-selling consumer products, and ratings that rival hit shows such as "The Lincoln Lawyer," "Reacher," and "Bridgerton," consistently placing it in Netflix's top tier.
"She's a force to be reckoned with, and she's only just beginning her ascent," Cohn enthused, revealing ambitious plans fueled by NBC Universal to expand the franchise into theme parks, live entertainment, gaming, interactive experiences, and beyond. "In other words, our girl is poised and perfectly prepared for her grand theatrical debut," Cohn added, emphasizing that it will be a "brand-new, hybrid family adventure" that is both "imaginative and deeply engaging."
"Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie" is set to premiere in theaters on September 26, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.
