Laila Lockhart Kraner, the star of "Gabby's Dollhouse," recently discussed her experiences filming the series and the new movie, "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie". The actress, who has been with the show since she was 10 years old, reflected on how the character's positivity and resilience have shaped her life.
Kraner, now 17, has grown up alongside Gabby, making the character a significant part of her. She recalls being excited about the initial audition because it centered around cats, of which she is a big fan. She even brought her own cat, Floyd, to the audition.
Reflecting on the transition from the series to the big screen, Kraner expressed initial disbelief. "I couldn't really wrap my head around it," she said, noting the show's success as a number one kids' show and its expansion into toys and other platforms. When the movie was announced, she felt it was "legit, like this is really, really big".
One aspect of filming that Kraner found challenging was shooting in public. "Having to go outside and then be in public running around chasing a dollhouse was very interesting," she explained. She admitted it was "a bit nerve-wracking at first," especially with onlookers and cameras present. However, she learned to focus on the scene and ignore the distractions. Eventually, she found it "cute" when families recognized her as Gabby.
Kraner enjoyed working with Gloria Estefan, who voices and portrays Grandma Gigi in the movie. She felt an immediate connection with Estefan, describing her as "so smart and full of wisdom". Kraner also noted Estefan's playfulness on set, saying, "She laughs, she jokes, she plays pranks," embodying "the power of play". She also related to Estefan due to her own Latin heritage.
Working with Kristen Wiig, who plays the eccentric cat lady Vera, was another highlight for Kraner. She described it as a "comedy master class," having grown up watching Wiig's "Saturday Night Live" sketches. Kraner was impressed by Wiig's ability to transform into Vera and her improvisational skills. She recalled one instance where Wiig improvised a song for two minutes, making it difficult for others on set to contain their laughter.
The movie's central message of creativity and problem-solving resonates with Kraner, who sees it as vital for all ages. She feels lucky to be "that voice of positivity and great messages for a next generation of kids," acknowledging the influence of children's shows on her own childhood.
"Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie" sees Gabby and Grandma Gigi embarking on a road trip to Cat Francisco. When Gabby's dollhouse falls into the hands of Vera, Gabby ventures into the real world to reunite with her Gabby Cats and rescue her prized possession. The film aims to be a fun and inclusive experience, encouraging viewers to laugh and dance along. The movie carries forward the series’ central message: creativity and problem-solving aren’t just for children but vital at every age.
The film includes the voices of Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney and Melissa Villaseñor, as well as Emmy nominee Thomas Lennon, Jason Mantzoukas, and Fortune Feimster. The beloved series voice cast reprises their roles as Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, MerCat and more. "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie" was released on September 26, 2025.
