Selena Gomez Is Still Tricking Her Way Into Auditions

Ask Selena Gomez what she gets out of acting that music has not historically afforded her, and she replies in no uncertain terms: “Sanity.”

It’s an exceedingly honest answer, which is what you come to expect after spending any amount of time in Gomez’s company. The Only Murders in the Building producer and star has no patience for anything less than the unvarnished truth, messy as it often is. “She’s herself, always, and I think that’s part of why her fans love her so much,” says her Wizards of Waverly Place co-star David Henrie, who has routinely watched her open up on personal subjects, including her battle with lupus, struggles with depression and diagnosis of bipolar disorder. “They go, ‘Oh, I see myself in that.’ ”

But for the foreseeable future, Gomez would rather get lost in someone else’s story, something that music has never allowed her to do. “Acting is just such a rush,” she says of the occupation that initially prompted a young Gomez and her mother to relocate from Grand Prairie, Texas, in the mid-aughts. At the time, an early stint on Barney & Friends had led to a leading role on Wizards, which sucked her into the Disney machine and, later, spit her out a chart-topping superstar. In the years that followed, music became the primary focus, a decision that garnered Grammy noms and more than 38 billion worldwide streams. It coincided with nearly insurmountable tabloid coverage and considerable challenges with mental health, which got a close-up in her 2022 doc, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.

Now, at 32, Gomez is eager to subvert expectations, even if it means she has to claw her way into consideration. She keeps a dream board of desired collaborators and is willing to fight for the kinds of projects that speak to her the way that Jacques Audiard’s Mexican crime-telenovela-transgender-cartel-musical-fever dream Emilia Pérez did. The latter, which recently dropped on Netflix, has been generating awards momentum for Gomez and her co-stars ever since it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where its female-led cast, which also includes Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Adriana Paz, shared the best actress prize. It’s the kind of career-altering experience she recognizes will be hard to replicate, just as A24’s cult hit Spring Breakers had been a decade earlier.

Ironically, Audiard barely knew who Gomez was when he cast her in Emilia Pérez. He certainly didn’t know of her Disney Channel origins, much less the audience of 423 million that she maintains on Instagram, making her the most followed person on the planet. In fact, when the two sat down to discuss the project at a café in New York, the French auteur was only familiar with Gomez’s work in Spring Breakers and in Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York. “It was love at first sight,” he says of their meeting. “I loved her sensitivity, her fragility and what she exuded.”

In truth, Gascón didn’t have a great handle on her CV either, though her 13-year-old daughter was a Gomez superfan — or a Selenator, as they dub themselves. “When she found out that I was working with her, my daughter said, ‘Mom, you got to treat her well because she’s suffered a lot,’ ” recalls Gascón, who, from their very first meeting, says she felt compelled to protect the young actress. Then cameras rolled, and Gascón was awed by Gomez’s ability to be present and humble. “Of all the people that I’ve met in the acting world — and I’ve met so many — she’s the most normal.” (She and Gascón’s daughter have grown close, too; in fact, Gomez has passed along shoes and drove with her to the premiere.)

Over the course of a few hours in early November, the actress, producer, singer, philanthropist and entrepreneur was just as candid about the beauty company that’s reportedly made her a billionaire, the decision to ultimately return to Disney with a Wizards sequel and the reason she’s the happiest she’s ever been.

I stumbled upon this quote you gave in 2020, which I want to ask you about: “I want to do movies so bad. I want to do TV so bad. I find I look too young most of the time, or people can’t separate the two [the real Selena from a character], which bums me out. So, I continue to audition, and I just have to wait for whenever my time is.”

I think that’s something I’ve always wanted. Music will always be in my soul, but I never really got to spend enough time in the field that I originally wanted to be in. And I’ve been very strategic and trying my hardest to pick projects that are going to be compelling and not necessarily what people would envision me doing. That’s something I get a high off of. But it was funny with Emilia, I genuinely thought it was going to be a movie that, like, came out in France.

You weren’t prepared to be swept up on the awards circuit?

No. And I was very confused. I was like, “Guys, why are we doing so many things right now?” And everyone’s just laughing because it’s doing well. I do think I know what’s obvious, what people would maybe want to see me doing, but yeah, that’s been the biggest challenge that I’ve faced as an actor, and probably one of the hardest things to hear.

How does that feedback present itself to you?

Well, if they think I’m too young for a part, or whatever the case may be, we use a tactic where we don’t tell them it’s me auditioning so that they just have to accept me auditioning. Because sometimes even them just hearing that I want to audition, they’ll be like, “No, that’s not going to match for what we’re doing.” Or it’s, “We’re going to hire people that nobody knows,” and then they hire, like, Austin Butler, and I’m like, “Cool.” But I’m not angry, it’s the position I have and it’s OK. It just means I’m going to continue to do things that are hopefully compelling and different.

So, do you go in under a different name?

I’ll sometimes send in a tape when they don’t know it’s me, or if it’s in person, my managers will just say, “Oh, we have a client that’ll have a read.” And most of the time, they’ll go, “OK.” And it worked on one of the movies I did, because they looked at me as I walked in and I thought I’d lost it immediately because they went, “Ooohh.” I was like, “No, no, no, no. Just let me read.” It was Fundamentals of Caring, a cute little movie [with Paul Rudd]. And it worked, I got it. You kind of have to do the dance.

It’s funny, I had clocked that quote thinking, “Wow, look how much has changed in four years.”

No! Somebody said the other day, “Oh, you must be getting movie parts offered [following the success of Emilia Pérez].” And I kind of laughed. I was like, “Nope.”

What does come your way, opportunity-wise? Put another way, how does Hollywood want to see you?

I don’t know exactly, but I feel like the roles would be very similar to what I’ve played, which is more soft-spoken and the underdog character. And I love those movies, but I have goals of wanting to work with specific people, people on my dream board, and so whenever those opportunities arise, I’ll put myself in that room, no matter what it takes. And I’ll say, “Let me show you that I can do it.”

Who’s still on that dream board?

There are so many. I’d love to work with Aaron Sorkin. I really love all of his movies and anything he’s near. And I’m a massive fan of Scorsese, and I so badly want to make sure he doesn’t quit suddenly or retire. Like, just one more, I’ll be in two scenes. That’s another thing that I factor in. I don’t ever need to be the star. If anything, that scares me because it feels like the responsibility is mainly on me. I’m still learning. I just know that I go for things that aren’t necessarily conventional.

You came off Wizards of Waverly Place and did Harmony Korine’s R-rated indie Spring Breakers, which felt like a very conscious choice and an immediate way to telegraph what you were capable of and interested in. Is that an accurate assessment?

Yeah, that’s exactly why I did it. My mom always says, “I feel like I get the worst mom of the year award,” because she’s the one who liked Harmony’s movie. But that’s when I really got the bug. We had done over 100 episodes of Wizards and two movies for Wizards, and then I did a few lovely, cute projects in between that I’m grateful for, and then I met with Harmony. I love interesting filmmakers, and he was so colorful and he had so many different ways of auditioning me. It was more like, “Who are you and what is that like?” And my mom was with me the whole time. I know I was 18, but I was still so young, and he had his wife and kid there, too. I remember I was like [in a young, earnest voice], “I really want to do a cool project.” And he just kind of smiled and goes, “I think you’re going to be good for this part.” Because that part is so [naive]. But that was the right way of dipping my toe in.

Did the leap scare anyone around you, be it your reps or your Disney-era fans?

I’m sure but everything I do is going to be picked apart. Vanessa Hudgens, who was also on Disney Channel, was in it, too. And I remember I thought I was so mature. I’m sure I sounded like I was 12. I was like, “Well, technically the movie is rated R, so [my young fans] are not allowed to see it, so they won’t see it.” And Vanessa’s like, “Ohh-kay …” I was so naive.

That film put A24 on the map.

Yeah, it ended up becoming a bit of a cult classic. It just was very hard to follow up, which I feel about Emilia as well. But I’m not in any rush to do thousands of things immediately. [After Spring Breakers,] I went right back into music, and I didn’t really continue pursuing acting; this time, my focus has definitely shifted.

Are you still doing the Linda Ronstadt biopic?

That’s still happening, though I’m not sure when. With Linda, once I met her and read two books, one of them over and over, I just found her to be so [compelling]. She had such an interesting perspective on music and life, and I really admired that. She never really needed to be as successful, and she was willing to try different things. But there’s a reason it’s taking time. We want to make sure it’s going to be good.

In the past, you’ve been open about having, as you put it, “this haunting feeling that people still view me as this Disney girl.” But now you’re back with the sequel Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Why now, and what changed?

For me, there was never any issue with Disney. I mean, I understand the intensity of the work and everything, and you’re young, but my experience was really lovely. I just had to separate myself for a while, and I was eager to because I’d done so much of it that I was a little tired. But now, being 32, it’s a way of me honoring that part of myself, and, to be honest, it’s where I got to do everything. I actually found this video from the last day of shooting Wizards, and I was like, “Oh my gosh,” because in it I’d said everything that I was going to do [with my career]. And I don’t know, maybe it’s easier because I feel older and I’m able to pass the torch to someone else, and that’s exciting. I also don’t ever want to lose connection with a younger audience. I have a sister who’s 11, and now she’s into Wizards, so it’s a whole new generation. I guess it felt like it was good, comfortable timing, but yeah, for a while, it was something I needed a break from.

Had you been approached about rebooting Wizards before?

No, and it was our idea. David Henrie and me. I don’t think Disney believed it. They were like, “Wait, you want to go back to that?!” I’m like, “Yeah, I do.”

You’re also an executive producer. Knowing what you went through, what advice did you offer the younger cast?

Well, specifically with Janice [LeAnn Brown], who’s the lead, she got really nervous when people started coming out for the live audience, and I told her, “I want you to have fun with it.” My other advice was, “A lot of people are going to tell you that you’re amazing, that you’re great, that you’re this or that. You need to understand that you’re human. You’re allowed to have bad days. You don’t need to be perfect all the time.” And if she were to ever need anything, she has my number. I also spoke with her parents. I actually spoke with all of the parents just to let them know that I am a resource for them. And they may be totally fine, and that’s awesome, but I’m here if not.

Was there a version of that for you when you were younger?

Just my mom. Jennifer Aniston was really sweet to me, but that was much later. She was the first one who was like, “I hear you and I see you.” But when I was younger, I don’t think anybody could have given me advice. I was just living and doing everything I was going to do.

At the same time, it felt like you were aware, even then, that you were a role model. Am I right?

I remember when I realized that that was coming into play. We’d do live tapings every Friday for Wizards, and they were my favorite part. And we’d meet everybody after the taping, and this little girl came up to me, and she had a picture of me from a J-14 magazine in this Abercrombie sweater, jeans and flats. She showed me the picture, and she goes, “I bought it.” I looked at her, and [she was wearing the same outfit]. I had to have been 16, and she was like 12, and I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh.” It may sound minute, but it was so overwhelming. So, I think I put the pressure on myself more than anybody else put it on me, and it’s because I was so scared of making a mistake because suddenly it wasn’t about me. It was about, well, what would people say or think?

I’m just trying to think of myself at 16 having to be a role model for anyone, let alone the masses.

The documentary [My Mind & Me] was me finally taking a breath and saying, “OK, so everything I’ve been trying to be this whole time, I’m a little exhausted and here’s why.” And it was a nice release, but I don’t want people to think that’s where I am anymore. I was very happy to share my story, but I want to make it crystal clear that that was a capsule of a time in my life and I truly believe I won’t be there again because I am properly medicated and I’m seeing people and I’m taking care of myself.

You’ve also been adamant that people not feel sorry for you or see you as a victim. How come?

It makes me so mad because it genuinely is such a strong thing to be vulnerable. It was terrifying for me to let people inside my world that way, but I was doing it because I felt like maybe this would help someone, and that’s what I care about. I just wanted people to feel less alone, and I wanted people to understand, “Oh, she was literally going through a really hard time, that’s why she canceled those two tours. But that’s really cool that she wants to help other people.” That’s all I saw this as. And people completely misunderstood what I was trying to do with it. Not everyone, just a group of people, and they love to label me as this victim. And it’s funny because the things that I walked through, I fully believe I’m one of the strongest people that I have ever known. So, yeah, that always just bothers me.

In the doc, you see people around you cautioning you against publicly revealing your bipolar diagnosis, to which you say some version of, “What? Are certain directors not going to want to work with me?” Was there fallout?

No, and I was really surprised. What made me so happy was that afterward people were coming up to me talking about their stories. It wasn’t, “Let’s take a picture real quick.” It became, “I actually have a story about myself that I want to share.” People trust me with their truth, and I don’t take that lightly.

That’s a very big responsibility.

Unfortunately and fortunately, I don’t know anything else, but it’s important to use both of those terms because I definitely think there was a lot of time that I probably should have just focused on being a kid. But I am who I am, and I’m not really ashamed of it anymore.

You’ve had to contend with tabloids and paparazzi for so long. Do you feel you’re able to maintain a private life?

I do, because I hang out with people who aren’t really in the business that much. I mean, I have both.

One of your best friends is Taylor Swift, who’s arguably one of the most famous people in the world.

Yeah, there’s that. But I still feel like I have a private life. I have my places to go, and no one bothers me at, like, [my half sister] Gracie’s soccer games. No one really bothers me unless I’m in the whole to-do.

Didn’t I just see pictures of you and your boyfriend, songwriter/music producer Benny Blanco, on a date at Sushi Park in my feed?

Yes. But it’s because I really love that restaurant! (Laughs.) But if you see, I’m like [pantomimes wrapping her face in a scarf]. I just try to not give them good ones sometimes; but other times, it’s part of the job and you just have to deal with it.

You’ve allowed the world in on your relationship by posting sweet pictures and videos. How come?

I guess this is the safest I’ve ever felt in one, and I see a future with this person. And when you put a little bit out there, people are not as hungry to hunt you down. Like, if they hear something, they’re going to, but if you’re like, “I did it,” they’re like, “Oh, well there’s you, just going to Sushi Park.” But there’s so much of my relationship people don’t see, that’s just mine.

During the pandemic, you launched your beauty company Rare Beauty, which devotes a portion of its sales to mental health access and education. Was the latter baked in from conception?

Everything that I did prior to Rare Beauty had an element of giving back. So, when I worked with some of the greatest brands, they were all willing to do something, and I was also willing to say I’d take it from my pay. And then when I was meeting with the final team that we had hired for Rare Beauty — which at the time was maybe five of us total — I said, “I want there to be a percentage or something; I need you guys to help me figure it out.” That’s when we created the Impact Fund, which started before we sold a single product.

What do you make of the company’s success?

There’s a real craving for people to have something accessible, something inclusive, something that isn’t complicated. That’s at least what I hear the most about, and then the blush, of course.

In September, Bloomberg reported your net worth at $1.3 billion, making you a billionaire. At the risk of stereotyping, I’ve found that men will sing about their wealth while women are uncomfortable even talking about it. What’s your relationship to that status?

I don’t really pay much attention. I don’t think anything about me has changed. I don’t think that I feel different. I think I’m just really proud. And also, personally, I just don’t think it’s anyone’s business.

Chappell Roan is the latest star to be open about the mental health challenges that accompany meteoric fame. Having been so public about your own journey, are you someone from whom folks like Chappell seek advice?

I’ve had people maybe compliment something I’ve done, but no, I haven’t really had anyone [famous] ask for my advice, and that’s fine. I mean, I don’t [share my story] for that reason. And I’d almost rather talk to someone who I met at a burger spot in New York.

What do those burger spot exchanges entail?

I’ll tell you one. I had, gosh, probably four women over the age of 35, and they were like, “We’re supposed to be adults, but we’re here celebrating that she just got out of this really, really bad marriage, and we listen to [Gomez’s song,] ‘Lose You to Love Me’ all the time.” I ended up sitting down with them and we all talked all about it, and it was just this really lovely moment.

You’re also someone who has tried to control your narrative — or at least chimed in or clapped back when it was co-opted by lies.

Definitely. I don’t think that I can really control it, but misinformation bothers me in every area of life. And if it is something that I feel is so inauthentic to me, I have no problem being like, “This is not accurate.” And I’ll also tell you what is.

You recently clapped back at body shamers. As a mother of two young girls, I was happy that you did, but that requires guts. As you know well, trolls can be cruel.

Yeah, but I really don’t care. And I am never going to look whatever way they think I should look. That’s just twisted.

Looking ahead, what else do you want to accomplish, professionally?

I think I’ve done just as much as I wanted to do in music, but it’s exciting because I feel like I haven’t even started in film and TV, even though I know I’ve been a part of some great projects and I’m really proud of them. I like that I have to earn my position, and I love storytelling. So, I’m excited to do more of that.

When you say you’ve done what you wanted to do with music …

Almost done. Music isn’t going away. I just set it down for a second.

What do you get from acting that you don’t from music?

Sanity.

How so?

You go into a room [to do junket press], and it’s really scary to talk about music that maybe has been a part of your story and isn’t anymore. And it’s really hard to sit there and talk about myself. It’s draining. But every interview I’ve done for this movie, there’s not been one personal question asked, and I’ve wanted to kiss every single reporter in the mouth and just say, thank you, because it’s been so refreshing, and I think that that’s a space that is safer for me.

Only Murders is another project that you’ve described as career-altering, and you’ve credited your co-stars Martin Short and Steve Martin. What have you learned from them?

Their etiquette, their class, their humor, their kindness. I’ve never worked with anyone like them. They will show up on time. They will know everyone’s name on set, even if you’re just there for the day. They are so professional, but they have the best time because their goal is to make the camera guy laugh, and it just makes for such an enjoyable environment and, frankly, it’s moving because they’ve been doing this far longer than I’ve been alive.

And then you throw Meryl Streep into the mix.

Which was a total dream come true. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes.” Well, you absolutely should meet Meryl. She stayed on set for 12 hours just to be there for the other actors off camera, which says everything. And she’d walk around barefoot, humming and singing. She’s just so free and lovely, and then they say, “Action,” and she’s impeccable. You’re like, “Oh, right, she’s Meryl Streep.”

You used to say that it was hard for you to be happy for yourself. When did that start to change?

It was probably when my mom had my little sister. I knew I had to be a lot stronger than succumbing to people’s chatter. And my sister is 11 now and deals with things so well. It’s because of my parents, but also because I’ve always tried to be strong around her and vulnerable with her. I really do want to make this a better world for her.

Does she have a sense of how successful and, frankly, famous her older sister is?

We go to Target, we’ll go bowling, we’ll go places, and we don’t really get bothered. And if we do, she’s used to it. It does bring me joy when she’s like, “I don’t really want to do what you do.”

How would you feel if she did want to follow in your footsteps?

I’d support whatever her dreams are, I would, but it’s just nice to let her figure it out. I knew very young that I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, and I’m so grateful that she hasn’t felt like I live a sparkly life, so she wants that life. I mean, she was Adam Sandler for Halloween. She wears basketball shorts. She loves Billie Eilish and Frank Ocean. She’s such an interesting, beautiful person.

And it sounds like she’s getting to be a kid, which is something I’m not sure you feel you got to be.

There’s a lot that I missed out on, but I don’t sulk in that. I also think when I was younger, [acting made me] feel like I belonged. I’d get brutally made fun of at school for being on Barney — I was far too old for Barney — but I had so much fun doing it, and, again, I liked feeling like I belonged somewhere.

Here we are, two-plus decades later, and it sounds like Hollywood is still a place where you feel like you belong. Is that accurate?

Yeah, I do. I love where I am in every aspect of my life right now, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I feel healthy. I feel happy. I feel peaceful.