Selena Gomez Puts Mental Health First: Baggage Claim Marks Wondermind’s Breakthrough

Selena Gomez, international star and co-founder of Wondermind, continues to elevate mental health narratives with her latest project, Baggage Claim. This marks Wondermind’s first scripted production, signaling a major milestone in the company’s mission to bring deep, human stories to the forefront of media.

A Bold Step for Wondermind

Co-founded by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, and Jonathon Glucksman, Wondermind aims to integrate mental health issues into mainstream culture. The company is committed to creating emotionally resonant and inspiring content, highlighting stories often overlooked by traditional media.

Its debut scripted project, Baggage Claim, is based on a short story by Julianna Baggott, an acclaimed author with over 20 published books. The story follows Bethany, a thirtysomething stuck in a mundane life working at a baggage claim that stores unwanted memories for people. These memories, preserved as scents in vials, can be reclaimed within 30 days. Bethany becomes addicted to “huffing” others’ memories, but her life takes a turn when she falls in love with someone’s memories.

Words from Wondermind

Mandy Teefey, CEO and co-founder of Wondermind, shared the rationale behind choosing Baggage Claim:
“We carefully selected our first creative project, and when Baggage Claim came across our desks, we knew it was special. The story aligns perfectly with our mission to spotlight rich mental health narratives. We are thrilled that Julianna connected with our approach.”

A Stellar Creative Team

Baggage Claim is written by Yvonne Hana Yi, known for her work on Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Raising Dion. Yi’s ability to craft both entertaining and thought-provoking stories ensures Baggage Claim will delve into its themes with depth.

Julianna Baggott, the original author, is no stranger to the industry. With over 20 projects in development, her credits include Backwards (sold to Netflix), The Hider (sold to Universal), and Except You, in development with Maximum Effort at Fox. Her involvement brings added credibility to the project.

Selena Gomez’s Commitment to Mental Health

Selena Gomez has long been an advocate for mental health, openly sharing her struggles with bipolar disorder and the pressures of fame. Co-founding Wondermind represents her dedication to creating a safe and empowering space for those grappling with mental health challenges.

While Gomez is producing, she is not starring in this project. However, her role in leading the creative direction ensures her influence resonates throughout Baggage Claim.

The Significance of Baggage Claim

Baggage Claim isn’t just entertainment; it’s a profound metaphor for how people cope with memories, pain, and addiction. Bethany’s character reflects the universal struggle of being trapped in cycles of unresolved memories—a reality many can relate to.

Storing memories as scents in fragile vials symbolizes the delicate and transient nature of human recollection.

The Future of Wondermind

With Baggage Claim, Wondermind lays a solid foundation for future projects. This is just the beginning, and with a powerful creative team and clear mission, Wondermind is poised to create stories that redefine how we perceive mental health.

Selena Gomez and her team aren’t just producing content; they’re fostering a broader conversation about how we address and portray mental health. As mental wellness becomes an increasingly vital topic, Wondermind has the potential to become a leading voice in reshaping media narratives.