Family matters: Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg return as Mavis and Johnny in Hotel Transylvania 3

Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg, who return as Mavis and Johnny in Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation, talk about the emotional connect with their characters, and keeping their zing alive
Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez talking about Hotel Transylvania 3
Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez talking about Hotel Transylvania 3

The third time, they say, is a charm. But it is not like this particular film needs any more of it. The third instalment from the highly successful Hotel Transylvania franchise is all set to release today, and this time around Drac (Adam Sandler), Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Jonathan (Andy Samberg) along with the monsters in tow, put on their swimming trunks and head for a special vacation to Atlantis, on a cruise. This time around, the focus is on Drac, who much to Mavis’s horror, zings (immediately attracted to) with the human captain of the ship, Ericka (Kathyrn Hahn). Popular actors like Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg along with singer Selena Gomez reprise their roles in Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of Cartoon Network). We catch up with Andy Samberg and  Selena Gomez to find out more about what’s in store in this fun, action-packed film.  

A still fron the film Hotel Transylvania 3 
A still fron the film Hotel Transylvania 3 

Voice over
Samberg, who plays Jonathan (a human) in love with Mavis (a vampire), says that he was pleasantly surprised when he saw the first movie because it genuinely made him laugh and entertained him too. Gomez concurs. “I love the animation, and it’s nice to be a part of something that everyone can watch,” she adds. Comparing the experience of voicing an animated character with shooting live action, Samberg makes a clear choice. “I enjoy voicing an animated character because it’s a freeing, crazy and literally cartoony experience. There are just less filters. And it’s wonderful to improvise, and then they have the power to make it happen and animate the scene slightly differently. So, one of the most exciting things about the process for me is to know that if you add something crazy it can then come to life!” Selena, however, found things to be a bit tougher, especially while shooting the first film. She says, “The first experience was interesting and hard for me because I had never done animation before. I had to learn to project and use my voice without banking on my expressions and physicality, but now it feels great. And it’s also nice to not care about how you look!”

Selena Gomez as Mavis
Selena Gomez as Mavis

On the right Drac
Speaking of the story, Gomez describes what her father (Drac, voiced by Adam Samberg) in the movie is going through. “Drac is ready to get out there. He is single and ready to mingle! And that’s the whole point of this film because, even though we have the family together, you kind of realise that Drac is alone and would love some company.” To counter Drac’s loneliness and force him to take a break from the hotel, Mavis surprises him with a family cruise. “Who hasn’t experienced the scary prospect of 
a group vacation, replete with embarrassing relatives, cabin fever, and monster laughs? At the end of the day, Mavis just wants her dad to be happy,” says Gomez of her character Mavis, who she loves. “I think she is sweet, nurturing and authentic. And she has definitely grown up since the first movie.” 

A still from the film Hotel Transylvania 3
A still from the film Hotel Transylvania 3

Family comes first
Talking about is character Jonathan’s relationship with Gomez’s character Mavis, Samberg says, “They are in the rhythm of a relationship and a family. So, there is even more of a shorthand, but certainly no less love. Johnny is just unrelentlessly positive, which is always funny to me. And apparently, he is a DJ too! That was a nice new move for him that was fun to play with.”Throwing the rest of the monsters into the mix just created a very entertaining dynamic again, without forgetting the underlining themes that are at the core of these movies. “There are so many films with the same old perceptions about monsters, but I believe that many people can also relate to those who are outcast or feared,” says Gomez, adding, “So I love that these films have always been about self-acceptance and being different, which I think is a message that is more relevant than ever.” Samberg chimes in, “There is definitely a running theme in all these movies. If you actually spend the time to get to know people or monsters, you may realise that they are not really what you are afraid of.”

Andy Samberg as Jonathan
Andy Samberg as Jonathan

Director’s cut
Both of them admitted that it was nothing but a pleasure working with Genndy Tartakovsky, who has written and directed all three films. “Genndy is very calm and in control, as he knows what he wants. He has a vision and makes sure that we all come across well, and that is exceptional. And recording stuff with him is no drama, as he just bangs it out with you and moves on when he knows he has what he wants,” he says. Selena agrees. I feel very comfortable with Genndy because he knows what he is doing and where the characters will go, and he is very good at explaining things. If I can’t see something he sets the scene up and reads with me as if he were the other characters.”

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