Gloria Estefan Reflects on Iconic Career as Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Brings the Magic of Play to Life

DreamWorks Animation has officially taken its global preschool smash to the next level with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, the first-ever cinematic adventure from the beloved hit Netflix series.

Since its debut in 2021, Gabby’s Dollhouse has been one giant sprinkle party for kids everywhere, blending live-action and animation to spark imagination, creativity, and play. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, the series quickly became a worldwide favorite, inviting families to step inside Gabby’s magical dollhouse and meet the adorable cat crew that lives inside.

RELATED: The Bad Guys Are Back And This Time, They’re Up Against the Bad Girls!

Now, the new film takes the magic on the road. Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner, reprising her role from the series) sets off with her Grandma Gigi (four-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan) to the vibrant city of Cat Francisco. But when her most prized possession—the dollhouse—falls into the hands of eccentric cat lady Vera (Oscar® nominee Kristen Wiig), Gabby must race through the real world to bring her Gabby Cats back together before it’s too late.

The movie also delivers a powerhouse comedic voice cast, including Saturday Night Live favorites Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney, and Melissa Villaseñor, plus Emmy nominee Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!), Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth), and Fortune Feimster (Velma). Of course, fan-favorite voices like Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, and MerCat are all back for the big-screen adventure.

Directed by Ryan Crego (Arlo the Alligator Boy) and produced by DreamWorks veteran Steven Schweickart (How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda 4), Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie brings big-screen heart and humor while staying true to the series fans love.

A Red Carpet Filled With Joy

This past weekend, the premiere brought out the stars and plenty of sparkle. On the carpet, Gloria Estefan reflected on her iconic career—performing for presidents, breaking records, and creating timeless moments for millions—and shared why Gabby’s Dollhouse is the perfect story for today.

“In today’s world, it’s easy to forget the importance of play,” Estefan told us. “But keeping that inner child alive makes us better and makes the world brighter.”

When asked about the most defining moment of her legendary career, Estefan didn’t settle on just one:

“There are so many memorable moments that it’s hard to pick one. I mean, I’ve gotten to sing for two popes, the Queen of England, multiple kings of different countries, six presidents… The Medal of Freedom, which Obama gave my husband and I together—the first time a couple received that honor. We got the Gershwin Award together, also the first time. But honestly, my favorite days are the days my kids were born and my grandson came into the world.”

The cast also opened up about their favorite parts of Gabby’s Dollhouse, and many agreed it all comes back to play and togetherness—something that’s made kids and parents smile around the globe. They also revealed which childhood toys they’d most want to bring to life, adding a playful, nostalgic spark to the night.

Now let’s get into the movie itself. If you’re a fan of Gabby’s Dollhouse—and I know plenty of parents who watch right alongside their kids—you’re going to love this. It’s not just geared toward children (though kids will absolutely be singing, dancing, and giggling the whole way through). The film speaks directly to its audience. Even when Kristen Wiig’s Vera hilariously questions who Gabby is talking to, the answer is clear: she’s talking to us.

RELATED: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ New Feature Brings Berk To life

And you feel it. You want to get up, sing, dance, and join in the fun. But beyond the glitter and songs, the film hits deeper. You might even find yourself tearing up as memories flood back—those moments of playing with your own toys, tapping into that spark of imagination, before life’s daily grind took center stage.

That’s the magic of Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. It reminds us that it’s okay to still play. It’s okay to bring out an old toy or let your imagination run wild again. Because life isn’t always about work, schedules, or responsibilities—sometimes the best way to live is by holding onto that inner child and letting joy lead the way.

A Global Phenomenon

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. In 2024, Gabby’s Dollhouse ranked as the ninth-most-viewed original streaming series according to Nielsen, and Netflix has since expanded it to 100 episodes across 11 seasons. The show has hit the Top 10 in 63 countries, fueling a brand empire that includes award-winning toys, books, apparel, music, live events, Universal theme park experiences, and a YouTube channel with millions of weekly fans.

With Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, DreamWorks isn’t just giving kids a reason to celebrate—it’s giving families everywhere a joyful reminder that play never goes out of style.

“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” hits theaters Friday, Sept. 26.