Gossip Girl: this Oscar-winning actress almost played Serena instead of Blake Lively

Happy birthday Gossip Girl ! 16 years ago, the series unveiled its first episode on American television. And to think that the casting almost looked very different! Did you know that other actresses – including an Oscar-winning star – almost played the lead roles instead of Blake Lively and Leighton Meester?

Back on Netflix since July 2023, the six seasons of Gossip Girl always delight those who grew up with this series. Because yes, American fiction broadcast on the CW left its mark on a whole generation of adolescents, who in 2008 discovered episodes from the first seasons on TF1. In the United States, the very first episode was broadcast on September 19, 2017, exactly 16 years ago! Many loved following the adventures of the two pests on duty: Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf. But did you know that these two characters could have had completely different interpreters? Yes, it is now impossible not to imagine Blake Lively and Leighton Meester playing the two best friends/enemies. But here are other actresses who were on the verge of lending their faces to the characters.

Other actresses considered to play Serena in Gossip Girl

Thanks to Gossip Girl, Blake Lively has gained popularity and has now become an essential face in cinema. It’s hard to imagine another actress in Serena Van Der Woodsen’s shoes. However, there were several in the running to bring the character to life. We know, for example, that Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role. a revelation made by Josh Schwartz, then executive producer of the fiction. The Hollywood actress would even have been very disappointed not to have been selected. Another revelation made, by David H. Rapaport (the casting director of Gossip Girl) this time, Rumer Willis (daughter of Bruce Willis) had once been considered for the same role.

Gossip Girl : this actress almost played Blair

Blair Waldorf’s headband suits Leighton Meester’s hair extremely well. But could it have just as easily gone to Ashley Olsen? Yes, the American actress, twin of Mary-Kate, was one of the American channel’s choices to play Serena’s best enemy. But the production obviously preferred Leighton. As for the role of Dan, it almost escaped Penn Badgley. The star of You was not the only one to audition: Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) was even the casting director’s favorite.

The other star considered to play Jenny in Gossip Girl

Taylor Momsen brought little Jenny, Dan’s little sister, to life wonderfully well. And yet Lily Collins was also there. The star ofEmily in Paris on Netflix was totally obsessed with the role and wanted it with all her heart. That didn’t stop him from getting good roles later.

The greatest plague of Gossip Girl was almost played by a star of Newport Beach

The role of the mysterious – and unbearable – Georgina Sparks was first offered to Mischa Barton, then heroine of Newport Beach. But the actress simply refused to join the casting. The production then made an offer to Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) who accepted.