Selena Gomez, a versatile talent known for her breakout role in the Disney Show Wizards of Waverly Place, has been a significant figure in the entertainment industry for over two decades. She has not only broken music records but also earned two Emmy nominations for her role in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. However, in a revealing 2022 interview, Gomez shared with a Hollywood reporter that she was almost not cast in the series that has significantly boosted her acting career.
The Genesis of Only Murders in the Building
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, Only Murders in the Building premiered in 2021, captivating audiences with its unique blend of comedy and mystery. The show introduces viewers to three eccentric characters: Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez). Together, these three strangers and neighbors channel their amateur sleuthing skills to investigate a murder in their apartment building, the Arconia.
Why Wasn’t Selena Gomez Originally Cast In The Hulu Series?
Despite the show’s success and the undeniable chemistry among its lead trio, Gomez’s involvement was not always part of the plan. During her interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Gomez disclosed that the original concept for the series featured three male leads.
Gomez explained that when Steve Martin and Martin Short signed on to the project, she wasn’t even considered for a role. She recounted, “My understanding is that Steve said he wouldn’t be in it unless Marty was in it. So we got Marty and that was the beginning before I was involved.”
The decision to cast a younger female lead came later and was actually a collective idea from some of the producers. “Steve said he loved the idea and thought it was really fun,” Gomez shared. It was executive producer Dan Fogelman who suggested Selena Gomez for the role. The actress and singer recalled, “But I couldn’t have been luckier because they called me… It happened, and I can’t picture the show with three men.”
The Show’s Success and Gomez’s Impact
Only Murders in the Building has since become a massive hit for Hulu, with its fourth season premiering on August 27. The series has received five Golden Globe Award nominations and over 25 Emmy Award nominations, solidifying its place in the annals of modern television. The synergy between Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez has been a significant factor in the show’s acclaim.
While it’s intriguing to speculate how the series might have played out with three male leads, it’s clear that Selena Gomez’s casting brought a unique and dynamic element to the show. Her performance as Mabel Mora not only earned her critical acclaim but also demonstrated her versatility as an actor.
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Selena Gomez’s journey with Only Murders in the Building is a testament to the unpredictable nature of casting and the magic that can happen when the right talent is paired with the right role. As fans, we can be grateful that the producers saw the potential in bringing Gomez into the mix, creating a show that has left an indelible mark on the world of television.
