Although Selena Gomez is already successful as a singer and a creator of the Rare Beauty makeup line, it’s her recent role in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building that signals great things ahead for her future. Gomez, who is also credited as an executive producer on the show, won over audiences and critics with her performance as Mabel Mora in the mystery-comedy. The positive buzz surrounding the show could be great for Gomez’s future acting career.
Selena Gomez has enjoyed a long and varied acting career before Only Murders in the Building. She got her start as a child actor on Barney and Friends before starring in Disney Channel’s fantasy sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place for four seasons. She also gained success as the voice of Mavis in the Hotel Transylvania films. Gomez has also acted in a handful of live-action films, from family-friendly fares like Ramona and Beezus to a cameo appearance explaining tricky financial concepts in The Big Short. However, according to the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, OMITB is one of her highest-rated projects to date, by critics and audiences alike.
There are a few reasons why OMITB is a good fit for Selena Gomez and could be a sign of good things to come for her future. One great thing about Only Murders in the Building is the way it allows Selena Gomez to utilize her comedic talents. Mabel Mora is a very sarcastic character and Gomez provides excellent delivery of dry wit and comedic timing. Gomez also has excellent chemistry with fellow Only Murders in the Building cast members, with a lot of the humor coming from the generation gap between the elderly Oliver and Charles and Mabel the millennial. This isn’t her first foray into comedy, but a lot of Selena Gomez’s previous comedies have been family-friendly. Only Murders in the Building shows that she can also thrive in a more mature comedic show.
Related: Only Murders In The Building Episode 4 Sets Up The Show’s Dark Ending
Though Selena Gomez is very funny in Only Murders in the Building, the show also lets her explore more dramatic material. Mabel is a tragic character; she used to be best friends with Tim Kono, whose murder is the focus of OMITB’s podcast created by the main characters, and spends a chunk of the show processing that death as well as hiding her personal connection to the victim. Before that, she lost two of her other pals: Zoe, who was pushed off of the roof of the Arconia, and Oscar, who was wrongfully imprisoned for killing Zoe. Mabel is basically a loner at the start of the show. Gomez plays Mabel as someone who can be aloof and snarky but also has her vulnerable moments. Her backstory includes some heavy elements and Gomez proves she can handle these darker moments and tackle more serious roles, setting her up well to have a series of diverse acting opportunities in her future career.
Another reason why the show is great for Selena Gomez’s future career is because of the positive reception to Only Murders in the Building. A spokesperson for Hulu revealed (via The Wrap) that OMITB is the most-watched premiere for a comedy in the streaming site’s history. The acclaim for this show will definitely put Selena Gomez on people’s radar when it comes to casting future projects. Only Murders in the Building has already racked up a number of award nominations, from Best Ensemble Cast at the Screen Actors Guild to Best Comedy Series at the Critics Choice Awards. It is very good for Gomez’s future to be associated with a show that’s picked up so many accolades.
Only Murders in the Building is a highlight of Selena Gomez’s filmography and a great career choice for her. The show has captivated audiences with sharp writing and superb performances, with Gomez being a standout. Many are excited for OMITB season 2 to tie up loose ends, but also to see more of Gomez’s performance as Mabel Mora. It will be interesting to see what directions Selena Gomez takes her acting career in next.
Next: Only Murders In The Building Season 2: Everything We Know
