Gabby’s Dollhouse Takes Center Stage

For four years, a little girl named Gabby has slipped on a pair of cat ears, given the headband a pinch on each side, and shrunk to dollhouse size with her favorite plush, Pandy Paws. 

This fall, Gabby gets both larger and smaller when Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie hits theaters Sept. 26. Starring Laila Lockhart Kraner as Gabby, the live-action film from DreamWorks brings the hit Netflix series — created by Blue’s Clues veterans Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey — to the big screen with help from Gloria Estefan, Kristen Wiig, and an ensemble of comedic talent. Wiig plays a feline-focused villain who steals the dollhouse. “She’s a lot of fun,” says Producer Steven Schweickart (Kung Fu Panda 4, The Sea Beast), noting that Wiig’s casting will delight caregivers, who know her from SNL.

Families are encouraged to sing and dance with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, which amps up the interactivity of the series. Gabby isn’t just the star — she’s also the host. “We’re encouraging the audience to sing along, snap their fingers, clap their hands, and respond to Gabby’s questions,” Schweickart says.

For many kids, this may be their first theatrical experience. “We really want to entice people to come to the theater,” Schweickart adds. “We want it to be magical — everything they get from the TV show, but bigger and better.”

At home, kids can create magical adventures with a new lineup of toys from Spin Master, the master licensee for Gabby’s Dollhouse. “The movie is so much fun to work with,” says Spin Master’s Tracy Warshauer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Business Unit Lead, Preschool, Wheels and Action. 

This fall, a new collection of interactive toys inspired by the film hits retail. Kids can dive into imaginative action with a Pandy Paws plush, wearable cat ears, a Gabby mermaid doll, and a dollhouse replica. The toys are compatible with previous releases and interact through Spin Master’s Meow Tech, which Warshauer describes as “super fun.” “It allows everything to connect and communicate with the child,” she says.

“Traditional dollhouse play can be one way,” Warshauer explains, “This was our chance for the dollhouse to come to life and to be truly interactive.” The Meow-mazing Interactive Dollhouse has LCD eyes, encourages guided play and storytelling, and includes Gabby, 10 accessories, a catavator, and a slide.

With the Meow-mazing Interactive Pandy Paws Plush and Interactive Ears, kids ages 3 and up can replicate Gabby’s transformation, squeezing the ears to deliver a Pandy Paws Hug Attack. “Kids are going to really love having these toys,” Warshauer says, noting that watching kids bridge innovation and imagination during testing was “cool and exciting.” 

Spin Master has also “developed unique statements” for each mass retailer. Walmart secured a toy based on a hotly anticipated character debut at the end of the film, while Amazon and Target each have film-inspired exclusives in their toy departments. Amazon’s focus is the garden scene; Target’s is the aquarium scene, which sees Gabby turn into a mermaid.

The fun continues onstage and onscreen with Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart, launching in Long Beach, California, while DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party from Outright Game debuts on Steam and home consoles Sept. 19, one day before the film’s red carpet premiere at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Just like Gabby’s cross-country drive in her movie, the live tour travels to 80 North American cities, stopping at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Chicago Theatre. “This beloved series has sparked the imaginations of families around the world, and we can’t wait to translate its joy, heart, and creativity into a one-of-a-kind live experience,” says Jonathan Shank, CEO of tour producer Terrapin Station Entertainment.

The color-themed show will showcase family-favorite songs and a new storyline in which Gabby’s cat friends star as life-size puppets. 

Young gamers can help Gabby and Pandy Paws get ready to throw a party at home through interactive storytelling, mini games, puzzles, and more in Ready to Party. “We wanted to give younger players a fun experience that they can enjoy for as long as they want,” says Nazaret Guerrero Alonso, Video Game Producer, Outright Games. 

“Gabby’s world revolves around creativity and imagination,” Alonso adds. “We incorporated this into the game through features such as clothing and hairstyle customization, as well as activities such as painting, coloring, and building, providing children with the tools to express themselves just as they see on screen.”

Ready to Party players won’t just prepare for parties; they will participate in them. Alonso is excited for fans to experience a space race on planet Caturn with DJ Catnip, “It’s one of the game’s most memorable and visually dynamic moments,” he adds. “Players will also party in the attic, “where all the characters come together for a joyful celebration,” Alonso says.

This is not Gabby’s first digital adventure. Gabby’s Dollhouse: A-meow-zing Moves is available on Nex Playground, a remote-free console that encourages movement and activity, through PlayPass. “It’s such a joyful and imaginative world young kids already love,” shares Nex Playground CEO David Lee. “The show does a wonderful job of sparking creativity and wonder for the world, and we saw an opportunity to take that one step further. Kids connect deeply with characters — they see themselves in them, or who they want to be.” 

A-meow-zing Moves encourages kids to develop coordination and resilience while exploring the beloved dollhouse.

The most important thing about the Gabby universe, from film to toys to digital gaming, is the same. “You’re never too old to play,” Schweickart says, noting that grownups are welcome to sing, dance, and get on the floor with their young charges. “Don’t be afraid of growing up. You can grow up and play.”

A version of this feature first appeared in the 2025 LA Fall Toy Preview Issue of The Toy Book. Read the full issue here!

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