Selena Gomez reminisces about her experience landing her first R-rated film role with *Spring Breakers*. Her journey in the entertainment industry began as a child actor with roles in productions like *Barney & Friends* and *Spy Kids 3*. At the age of 15, Gomez achieved widespread recognition for her portrayal of Alex Russo on the popular Disney Channel series *Wizards of Waverly Place*. This show ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012 and is now set to be revived as *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*.
In a conversation with *Vanity Fair*, Gomez shares her thoughts on transitioning from *Wizards of Waverly Place* to being cast in *Spring Breakers*.
The actress reveals that she “was very eager to find an outlet after Disney.” The opportunity to join *Spring Breakers* was actually her mother’s suggestion, inspired by their mutual admiration for director Harmony Korine’s films. Reflecting on her experience with *Spring Breakers*, Gomez comments that her “character is a mirror of who [she] was at that time.” Below is Gomez’s full quote:
“This remains one of my favorite projects to date. Surprisingly, it was my mom’s idea. We had watched Harmony’s films together, and I was so eager for a release after Disney. It wasn’t as drastic as I imagined it would be. But I believe my character is a true reflection of who I was at the time, stepping away from an era where I always had to maintain a certain image, ensuring that I did things suitable for kids to watch. It felt like a significant release.”
The Impact of *Spring Breakers* on Gomez’s Career
#### Gomez’s Success Beyond Disney
*Spring Breakers* marked Gomez’s debut in an R-rated film, which she fondly remembers as one of her “favorite projects.” Its release closely followed the conclusion of her stint on *Wizards of Waverly Place*, which wrapped up with a special hour-long episode on January 6, 2012. *Spring Breakers* premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2012 and was widely released in 2013. The close timing of *Wizards of Waverly Place* ending and *Spring Breakers* debuting was a significant shift for audiences familiar with Gomez’s Disney persona.
Selena Gomez’s Return To 17-Year-Old Disney Show Officially Ties A Big Record With Her $1.3 Billion Movie Franchise
*Spring Breakers* served as a pivotal moment for Gomez to redefine her image beyond Disney, especially given its provocative subject matter. She draws parallels between her character and her own life at the time. In the film, she plays a college student who embarks on a crime spree with friends to fund their spring break, ultimately getting involved with a drug dealer. Although acting in *Spring Breakers* wasn’t as radical a departure as her character Faith’s actions, it reflected a similar desire to break free and reinvent oneself.
This deliberate move to separate her career from *Wizards of Waverly Place* has been instrumental in Gomez’s continued success in acting.
Taking on *Spring Breakers* shortly after *Wizards of Waverly Place* likely played a crucial role in Gomez shedding her Disney image. After *Spring Breakers*, she took on other film roles, including in *Getaway*, *Rudderless*, and *The Big Short*. She also focused more on her music career, showcasing a more mature side. This dedication to distancing her career from her Disney roots has been key to Gomez’s ongoing success in the entertainment industry.
Source: *Vanity Fair*
Spring Breakers
- Crime
- Drama
Spring Breakers centers on Brit (Ashley Benson), Candy (Vanessa Hudgens), Cotty (Rachel Korine), and Faith (Selena Gomez), four best friends who need money for a Spring Break vacation. To fast-track their funds, Brit, Candy, and Cotty commit armed robbery at a local restaurant and then leave for Florida with Brit. The four girls then become involved with Alien (James Franco), a drug dealer who claims to be from another planet.
