DreamWorks Animation has unveiled a delightful new behind-the-scenes featurette for Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, offering a closer look at how Grammy Award-winning legend Gloria Estefan stepped into the whimsical world of Gabby and her friends. The exclusive clip, available through FlickDirect, captures Estefan’s first moments in the recording booth, the cast’s reactions, and the collaborative spirit that brought her character, Gigi, to life.
Finding the Magic of Kindness and Music
In the featurette, Estefan shares why she felt an instant connection with the project: “There’s something magical about stories that celebrate creativity and kindness,” she explains. “Gabby’s Dollhouse is all about seeing the world through wonder—and that’s something I’ve always believed in.”
Known worldwide for her warmth and authenticity, Estefan brings that same energy to Gigi, a fun-loving grandmother who encourages Gabby to embrace imagination and positivity. Co-stars Laila Lockhart Kraner, Kristen Wiig, and Ego Nwodim describe working with Estefan as “a burst of sunshine,” praising her musical instincts and joyful spirit that infused each recording session.
Expanding the Dollhouse Universe
Based on the hit Netflix preschool series, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie expands its world with a story that takes Gabby and Gigi on a journey to the vibrant city of “Cat Francisco.” Director Ryan Crego calls Estefan’s addition “like striking the perfect musical note,” saying her presence added “depth, warmth, and rhythm” to the film. Writers Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza note that Estefan’s lifelong gift for storytelling through music helped shape Gigi’s emotional arc in a way that felt both authentic and magical.
The featurette offers quick glimpses of Gabby’s colorful adventures, new feline friends, and music-filled moments that emphasize the film’s themes of creativity, teamwork, and self-discovery. Estefan’s performance adds a heart-centered energy that ties it all together.
Heartfelt Family Fun from DreamWorks Animation
Producers Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson LaBracio highlight how the movie aims to capture “the magic of playtime and the emotional truth of growing up.” With Estefan joining the ensemble, that message gains new resonance. Her musical presence bridges generations, appealing to both young viewers and the parents who grew up with her songs.
The video also showcases the joy behind the scenes—Estefan laughing with the animation team, experimenting with vocal phrasing, and finding the perfect tone for each line. It’s a genuine reminder that even entertainment icons still approach their craft with curiosity and heart.
A Peek Behind the Curtains
This featurette isn’t just a promotional glimpse; it’s a celebration of collaboration. By blending live-action footage with animation reels, DreamWorks Animation invites audiences into the creative process that makes Gabby’s Dollhouse so beloved. The studio continues its tradition of balancing heartfelt storytelling with vibrant visuals and uplifting music.
As Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie prepares for release on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital later this year, Gloria Estefan’s debut as Gigi adds a musical heartbeat to the franchise; her presence captures everything the Gabbyverse stands for: joy, kindness, and creativity, proving once again that even the smallest dollhouses can hold the biggest adventures.