Exploring the All-Star Cast of the Hotel Transylvania Film Series

Exploring the Star-Studded Cast of Hotel Transylvania

The successful Hotel Transylvania film franchise has captivated audiences across generations with its humorous take on classic monster characters. While the unique animation and storytelling play a key role in these movies' widespread appeal, the talented voice cast brings plenty of star power and charisma as well.

Dracula Takes Center Stage

Leading the pack is none other than Adam Sandler as Dracula, the owner and operator of Hotel Transylvania. Dracula serves as both the main protagonist and source of comedy throughout the series, trying his best to juggle his hotel duties while raising his half-human daughter Mavis.

Sandler's experience with comedy and slapstick makes him the perfect fit to voice the overprotective vampire father struggling to accept that his little girl is growing up. The famous comedian and actor infusesDracula with his trademark humor and energetic presence.

Supporting Monsters Galore

While Sandler helms the cast as Dracula, he has no shortage of talented co-stars bringing the other classic monsters to life in Hotel Transylvania.

Selena Gomez steps up as Sandler's on-screen daughter Mavis, providing a portrait of a more progressive monster entering adulthood and seeking independence. Veteran comedic actor Kevin James becomes Frankenstein, with Fran Drescher assuming the role of his wife Eunice.

Steve Buscemi's recognizable voice proves ideal for the character of Wayne the werewolf. CeeLo Green plays the witches' zombie companion, Murray the mummy. Meanwhile, David Spade takes on the Invisible Man character Griffin, using his trademark sarcasm and snark.

Humans Check In As Well

While monsters may run Hotel Transylvania, the films introduce some human characters over time as well. Andy Samberg plays Jonathan, a hapless backpacker who accidentally stumbles upon the hotel and catches the eye of Mavis.

Molly Shannon joins the cast as Jonathan's mother, with an ensemble of other normals constantly posing challenges to the monsters' way of life. Jim Gaffigan even assumes the role of Professor Abraham Van Helsing, Dracula's famous archnemesis.

Sequels Add More Stars

As the Hotel Transylvania series expanded into sequels, additional big-name stars signed on to voice new characters. Joe Jonas joins Hotel Transylvania 2 as a new face that catches Mavis' attention after drama with Jonathan.

Rapper and actor Ludacris has an amusing turn as the Lycanthrope "Lycadebe" in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Kathryn Hahn also brings her talents to the franchise as Ericka, a ship captain who catches Dracula's eye in the third film.

Singers Provide Musical Moments

In addition to major Hollywood stars, the Hotel Transylvania movies feature vocal contributions from contemporary singers as well.

Demi Lovato Sings with Dracula

Pop singer Demi Lovato has a cameo as Dracula's cauldron double in the original Hotel Transylvania. She performs a musical number titled "Vampire" with Adam Sandler that showcases Dracula's hidden singing talents.

The scene provides a breakout moment in the film, generating laughs while demonstrating Dracula's deep affection for his daughter Mavis. It also paved the way for more singing roles in the sequels down the line.

Tinkling the Ivories

In Hotel Transylvania 2, Mel Brooks of comedy fame appears as Dracula's father, Vlad. After mostly playing a background role, Vlad unveils some piano prowess late in the film.

While tickling the ivories, he sings a variation of a Brooks classic "If You're Happy and You Know It" with updated monster-themed lyrics. It serves as another endearing musical sequence highlighting the monsters' softer sides.

Looking to Modern Pop

The third Hotel Transylvania installment takes a more modern turn musically. Rising pop singer Troye Sivan plays a goofy interpretation of the Teen Wolf from classic monster movies.

In addition to howling as the character, Sivan performs the original pop song "Wolves" over the end credits. The tune reached #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, indicating Sivan may have boosted interest in the film with younger music fans.

Lasting Appeal and Legacy

From proven comedy veterans to hot contemporary music stars, the Hotel Transylvania films draw on a stellar cast to bring their monstrous characters to life. The mix of Hollywood clout and singing talent likely helped drive the series' box office success.

With over $1.3 billion grossed globally so far, Hotel Transylvania now ranks among the highest-grossing animated franchises. Considering its all-ages appeal and ability to attract major celebrities to voice roles, this monster franchise should continue haunting theaters for years to come.

FAQs

Who voices Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania movies?

Comedic actor Adam Sandler voices Dracula, the protagonist of the Hotel Transylvania films. He plays an overprotective vampire father struggling to let his daughter grow up.

What popular singer performs a song with Adam Sandler?

Pop singer Demi Lovato appears alongside Adam Sandler in the first Hotel Transylvania, singing a musical number called "Vampire."

Which musician sings a version of "If You're Happy And You Know It"?

Actress and comedy legend Mel Brooks, as Dracula's dad Vlad, tickles the piano keys and leads a monster-themed rendition of "If You're Happy And You Know It" in Hotel Transylvania 2.

What young pop star sings the end credits song for the 3rd movie?

Rising singer Troye Sivan performs the original tune "Wolves" over Hotel Transylvania 3's end credits. The song became a Billboard Hot 100 hit.

Who plays Mavis, Dracula's headstrong daughter?

Actress and singer Selena Gomez voices Mavis in the series. She provides a more independent monster perspective as Dracula struggles to accept his little girl is growing up.