Is Selena Gomez the next Disney star to shed her family-friendly image?
The 19-year-old star of "Wizards of Waverly Place" is taking on director, Harmony Korine's, latest project, "Spring Breakers."
It won't be zany antics and fun in the sun for Gomez, who stars alongside James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens and Emma Roberts, as the film revolves around a group of broke college girls who rob a restaurant to pay for their spring break trip, and a drug and arms dealer they find themselves entangled with.
It's a far cry from "Princess Protection Program," but Gomez tells MTV News she's really excited to start filming the movie and beginning the next chapter in her career.
"It's a different character than I have ever played before. It's a different kind of vibe I think than people are used to seeing in me," she said. "What you're going to see is more raw, I think. It's going to be raw and more about acting."
And those familiar with writer/director Harmony Korine's work, can expect "Spring Breakers" to include the dark and often brutally depressing themes found in his past films like "Kids," "Gummo," and "Ken Park."
Of course, taking on an edgy role is a classic move for young starlets looking to transition from child stardom to more mature roles.
Gomez's "Spring Breakers" co-star, Vanessa Hudgens, 22, didn't manage to maintain a squeaky clean image after several rounds of nude photos went viral online. Still, the "High School Musical" star has tried to sever her House of Mouse beginnings, by appearing in films like "SuckerPunch" and forthcoming "Gimme Shelter," in which she plays a pregnant teen living on the streets.
Like Gomez and Hudgens, Emma Roberts, 20, found fame on Nickelodeon's tween series, "Unfabulous," but quickly branched out from over-the-top kid fare, appearing in indie films, like "Lymelife," "The Winning Season" and "Twelvle," a critically panned film about a teenage drug dealer.
Check out early auditions from Selena, Emma, Vanessa and more young celebs:
