Selena Gomez used cheating tricks to get an audition
Selena Gomez has faced her fair share of challenges in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to proving herself as a versatile actress beyond the world of Disney. Despite her early success on Disney Channel and continued fame as a pop star, Gomez has often struggled to secure roles that break her out of the typecast image of her younger self. However, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress shared some of the clever strategies she employs to land roles—especially when casting directors don’t immediately see her as a fit.
Breaking Through Typecasting: The Struggles of an Established Star
Though Selena Gomez rose to fame as the teenage witch Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, she has always sought to push beyond the boundaries of her early Disney image. Despite her success in both music and acting, Gomez often finds herself fighting to be considered for roles that aren’t in the “sweet” or “vulnerable” lane. She revealed that when casting directors see her name, they often have a preconceived notion of the roles she should play, limiting her options.
Gomez admitted that many times, directors would reject her outright before even hearing her audition. They often suggested that she wasn’t the right fit for the role because she was either too young or too famous. But instead of accepting those limitations, Gomez has developed tactics to bypass these judgments.
Auditioning Undercover: A Sneaky Strategy
To break free from typecasting, Gomez uses a clever strategy when auditioning for roles. Rather than announcing her identity, she sometimes submits audition tapes where the casting directors don’t know it’s her reading for the part. If the audition is in person, her manager will often arrange for her to read the script without revealing who she is until after the performance. Gomez shared that this method often results in casting directors being more receptive to her talent without the preconceived bias based on her public image.
This tactic proved successful in landing her role in the 2016 film The Fundamentals of Caring alongside Paul Rudd. Although Gomez believed she had already lost the role upon walking into the audition, she still asked to read for the part. She ended up playing the character Dot, a hitchhiker, and received praise for her performance.
Overcoming Challenges in Hollywood: Gomez’s Evolution as an Actress
As an actress, Selena Gomez has faced significant challenges due to her past roles. Despite her fame, she is still often seen as only suitable for roles that reflect her earlier career—lighter, more vulnerable characters. However, Gomez is determined to prove herself capable of more complex roles.
She expressed a desire to work with dream collaborators and continue pushing the boundaries of her acting career. In the interview, Gomez mentioned that she is always on the lookout for projects that are both exciting and unconventional, aiming to take on roles that surprise audiences.
New Challenges and Achievements
Recently, Gomez received an Emmy nomination for her role as a true-crime podcast host in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, showcasing her growth and versatility. Additionally, her portrayal of the wife of a gang leader in the film Emilia Pérez has also garnered attention and further solidified her as a serious actress. These roles are part of Gomez’s strategic approach to her career, where she deliberately selects projects that break away from expectations.
“I’ve been really strategic and trying my best to pick roles that are engaging and not necessarily what people expect of me,” Gomez said. “That’s what excites me.”
