Discover the Top Contenders for the Role of Young Lily Van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl
The renowned casting director for Gossip Girl, David Rapaport, shared fascinating insights with Jessica about the much-anticipated Gossip Girl spinoff that focuses on the glamorous life of Serena’s mother, Lily van der Woodsen, portrayed by Kelly Rutherford. This pilot episode featured talented actresses such as Brittany Snow and Krysten Ritter, who brought their unique flair to the auditions. The behind-the-scenes stories reveal not only the creative process but also the challenges in casting the perfect young version of such an iconic character.
During the discussion, David Rapaport fondly recalled the impressive auditions from various actresses, including Dakota Johnson and Rooney Mara. Many of these talented women have risen to fame in the entertainment industry, but at the time of the auditions, they were still emerging stars. He specifically highlighted the outstanding audition of Nina Dobrev, saying, “That was one of the best auditions I had ever seen for that role.” The casting director’s praise underscores the high caliber of talent that was considered for this pivotal role in the series.
David confidently communicated to the network that Nina Dobrev was destined for greatness, stating, “She is a super star.” His conviction about her talent was evident, as he recognized her potential even before she reached her current level of fame. This insight into the casting process sheds light on how critical decisions are made behind the scenes in television production, especially for a series that has shaped pop culture.
However, as David reflected on the casting process during the podcast, he noted a significant hurdle: “She does not look like Kelly Rutherford, because she was supposed to be a young Kelly Rutherford.” This essential casting requirement posed a challenge, as the network sought to maintain continuity in character representation. Despite this, David made a strong case for keeping the talented Degrassi: The Next Generation star on the network’s radar. He urged them, “‘and you guys need to find something for her,'” indicating his belief in her future success. He vividly remembered thinking, “I am going to think about this girl in a couple of years and be like, ‘Oh god, I missed that opportunity.’ She was so incredible!” His foresight highlights the importance of recognizing talent and potential in the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
