Advertisement
Selena Gomez recently reflected on her career-changing role in Spring Breakers, a film that marked a dramatic shift from her Disney roots. It’s been twelve years since the film’s release, and Gomez looks back on her portrayal of Faith, one of four college girls who turn to crime to fund their wild spring break, only to get entangled with a dangerous drug dealer played by James Franco.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gomez spoke about the transition from her time on Wizards of Waverly Place to this more provocative role. After filming over 100 episodes of the Disney series and a couple of movies, she felt a desire for something different and more daring. Meeting director Harmony Korine was a pivotal moment for her, as his offbeat, artistic approach intrigued her.
“I love interesting filmmakers,” she explained, noting how Korine’s unique audition process was more about discovering who she was rather than a traditional casting call. At 18, Gomez thought she was ready for more mature material, even though, looking back, she now laughs at her youthful naivety. She recalled thinking that the film’s R-rating would keep her younger fans away, unaware of how wide an audience the film would ultimately reach.
Despite the controversial nature of Spring Breakers, Gomez remains proud of the project, which helped her transition from her wholesome Disney image to a more adult, complex role. The film’s cult status solidified its place in pop culture, and Gomez acknowledges the bold, artistic originality it represented for her as an actress.
You can catch Spring Breakers now on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Hulu.