Miley Cyrus is never one to shy away from revisiting the more controversial moments in her life. On a recent episode of Monica Lewinsky’s Reclaiming podcast, the singer and actress reflected on a pivotal moment in her career—the time she was removed from the lead voice role in the 2012 animated film Hotel Transylvania.
Although many fans associate the role of Mavis Dracula with Selena Gomez, it was actually Miley who had originally been cast to voice the character. But according to Miley, a personal birthday prank involving her then-boyfriend Liam Hemsworth led to her unexpected firing from the film.
Miley explained that at 18 years old, she gifted Liam a novelty birthday cake shaped like male genitalia—a joke she described as light-hearted and something common for young women at bachelorette parties. “I got my boyfriend a penis cake for his birthday as a joke, and I got fired. I was the lead actress in Hotel Transylvania, and they replaced me because of what they saw as an inappropriate adult joke,” she revealed during the podcast.
Reflecting on the incident, Miley pointed out the double standards she faced as a young celebrity. “I was 18—so yes, I was old enough to work in a children’s movie, but that doesn’t mean I was a child. I should’ve had the right to make decisions in my personal life,” she said.
She added that the prank, which many girls her age would do without consequence, was unfairly used against her due to her public image. “They sell penis cakes everywhere for bachelorette parties. It’s not like this was something obscene or unheard of. You can buy themed items like necklaces and straws—it’s just silly fun.”
Cyrus also discussed the fine line public figures walk between their professional roles and personal lives. “Being in the spotlight as a young woman means every decision is scrutinized. At the time, I wasn’t considered appropriate for a kid’s movie because of something I did in my private life.”
When asked if she believes things have changed for young stars today, she shared, “I don’t think we pedestal Disney kids like we used to. But still, movies are made for certain audiences, and if the lead actor does something outside of that image, there can be real consequences.”
Ultimately, the role of Mavis Dracula was handed to Selena Gomez, who brought her own charm and identity to the character. Still, Miley’s candid reflection offers a glimpse into the pressures young celebrities face when trying to balance fame, personal expression, and the expectations placed upon them.
