Gabby’s Dollhouse Star Wants Fans To “Bring Your Cat Ears”
The world of Gabby’s Dollhouse is making the leap from Netflix to the big screen, and with it comes a special invitation from Gabby herself. Star Laila Lockhart Kraner is encouraging fans of all ages to fully embrace the magic of the new film by making the theatrical experience as interactive and joyful as the show. Her simple but powerful message to moviegoers: get dressed up, have fun, and most importantly, bring your cat ears.
This article explores why the call to wear Gabby’s Dollhouse movie cat ears is so significant. We’ll dive into how this small accessory represents the film’s commitment to creating an inclusive, interactive, and unforgettable family event that breaks the traditional rules of movie-watching.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: A New Kind of Movie Experience
For years, Gabby’s Dollhouse has captured the hearts of preschoolers with its blend of live-action, animation, and hands-on fun. The series is known for breaking the fourth wall, with Gabby speaking directly to the audience, inviting them to sing, dance, and solve problems alongside her and the Gabby Cats. The transition to a feature-length film was guided by one principle: preserving that interactive spirit.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Laila Lockhart Kraner emphasized that the movie is designed to be a shared celebration, not a quiet viewing.
“Sometimes in movie theaters you’re not really supposed to get up, but this is not that case. It’s totally allowed!” she said. “A big part of the movie theater experience that is so special about Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is that you’re encouraged to go and sing and dance.”
This encouragement transforms the theater from a passive space into an active one. It gives children permission to express their excitement and joy, turning the film into a communal party. Kraner’s invitation for fans to wear their cat ears is the centerpiece of this concept. The ears are not just a costume piece; they are a symbol of belonging to the Gabby’s Dollhouse world.
“I hope everybody gets dressed up and brings their cat ears,” Kraner continued. “It’s supposed to be a fun and inclusive movie experience. The viewer has always been part of the story with Gabby, and that’s even more important in this movie. We want you to laugh and dance with us.”
More Than a Movie: An Adventure for All Ages
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie follows Gabby on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (played by the iconic Gloria Estefan). Their adventure takes a turn when Gabby’s magical dollhouse ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (played by the brilliant Kristen Wiig). Gabby and her beloved Gabby Cats must then embark on a whimsical quest to save their home.
While the film is designed to entertain its core preschool audience, the creators have made a conscious effort to craft a story with universal appeal. Kraner notes that the film contains messages that resonate with everyone.
“There’s a lot of funny comedy for everybody, and there are a lot of good messages that I think apply to all ages about keeping the magic of play alive,” she explained. “I think that’s something important for little kids to hear, and also for adults to hear. So it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.”
This all-ages approach is what makes the invitation to wear cat ears so special. It’s not just for the kids. It’s a signal to parents, grandparents, and older siblings that they, too, can let go, have fun, and be part of the magic. It breaks down the barrier between the child audience and the adults who bring them, creating a shared, joyful memory.
Bringing the Magic of the Dollhouse to Life
The success of Gabby’s Dollhouse lies in its ability to make viewers feel like they are part of the adventure. Gabby’s signature phrase, “pinch in,” and her magical cat ears are the gateway to the animated world of the dollhouse. By encouraging fans to wear their own cat ears, the film extends this magic beyond the screen and into the real world.
Director Ryan Crego, who was a fan of the show thanks to his own children before he took on the project, understood the importance of maintaining this connection. “We tried really hard to make sure that the core audience of Gabby fans was going to be served first and foremost,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. He wanted to take all the elements that made the series successful and amplify them for a bigger, grander adventure.
Wearing cat ears to the theater becomes a physical manifestation of “pinching in.” It allows every child in the audience to feel like they are shrinking down alongside Gabby and joining the adventure with Pandy, Cakey, MerCat, and all the other beloved characters. It’s a simple, brilliant way to make the cinematic experience deeply personal and immersive for its target audience.
Why You Should Wear Your Cat Ears
Laila Lockhart Kraner’s encouragement is a call to embrace the spirit of play and imagination that is at the very heart of Gabby’s Dollhouse. It’s a reminder that movies, especially family films, can be more than just a story you watch; they can be an event you participate in.
- It Builds Community: Seeing a theater full of people wearing cat ears creates an instant sense of community and shared excitement.
- It Enhances Immersion: For a child, wearing the ears makes them feel like they are part of the story, transforming them from a viewer into a participant.
- It Encourages Fun: It gives everyone, kids and adults alike, permission to be silly, sing out loud, and enjoy a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy.
As you prepare to take your family to see Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, remember Gabby’s invitation. This is more than just a film; it’s a celebration. Find your best pair of Gabby’s Dollhouse movie cat ears, get ready to sing and dance, and prepare to be part of the magic.
