In a surprising revelation that sheds light on established actors’ challenges, Selena Gomez has disclosed her unconventional approach to securing auditions in Hollywood. The 32-year-old star, despite her impressive portfolio including “Only Murders in the Building” and the buzzworthy Netflix musical “Emilia Pérez,” still finds herself navigating skeptical casting directors through creative means.
“We use a tactic where we don’t tell them it’s me auditioning,” Gomez revealed in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Sometimes even them just hearing that I want to audition, they’ll say, ‘No, that’s not going to match what we’re doing.'”
The Audition Dance
The star’s management team has developed a clever strategy: they submit her audition tapes anonymously or present her as an unnamed client for in-person readings. This approach proved successful for her role in “The Fundamentals of Caring” alongside Paul Rudd, though not without its tense moments.
“They looked at me as I walked in and thought I’d lost it immediately because they went, ‘Ooohh,'” Gomez recounted. “I was like, ‘No, no, no. Just let me read.'” Her persistence paid off, landing her the role of Dot in the film.
Breaking Free From Typecasting
Despite her extensive career spanning from Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” to A24’s cult hit “Spring Breakers,” Gomez often faces typecasting as a “soft-spoken and underdog” character. However, she remains undeterred.
“I’ve been very strategic and trying my hardest to pick projects that are going to be compelling and not necessarily what people would envision me doing,” she explained. Her recent success in “Only Murders in the Building” earned her an Emmy nomination, proving her range extends far beyond early career expectations.
A New Chapter
Now at the helm of her career choices, Gomez maintains a dream board of desired collaborators. “I have goals of wanting to work with specific people,” she shared. “Whenever those opportunities arise, I’ll put myself in that room, no matter what it takes.”
The star recently returned to her roots with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a decision that showcases her comfort with her Disney background while continuing to push boundaries in other projects. Her role in Emilia Pérez as a cartel leader’s wife has already generated awards season buzz, demonstrating her ability to tackle diverse, challenging roles.
Finding Balance
Beyond acting, Gomez has succeeded in multiple ventures, including her beauty company, Rare Beauty, and her music career. However, she finds particular solace in acting. When asked what acting provides that music doesn’t, she responded: “Sanity.”
“It’s terrifying to talk about music that maybe has been a part of your story and isn’t anymore,” she explained. “But in every interview I’ve done for this movie, no personal question has been asked. It’s been so refreshing.”
As she continues to navigate Hollywood on her terms, Selena Gomez proves that even established stars must sometimes think outside the box to pursue their passion projects. Her determination to be judged on merit rather than reputation showcases a refreshing perspective in an industry often fixated on image and past successes.
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