Kirsten Storms is widely recognized today for her role as Maxie Jones on the long-running soap opera General Hospital. However, her journey to stardom began in the 1990s when she captured hearts as Zenon in a beloved Disney Channel film trilogy. Interestingly, Kirsten revealed that the talented Allison Mack, known for her role in Smallville, was almost cast as the lead in this iconic series. This tidbit adds an intriguing layer to the legacy of the Zenon films, which remain a nostalgic touchstone for many fans.
In the Zenon trilogy, audiences embark on an exciting journey with a teenage girl living on a futuristic space station. Portrayed by Kirsten Storms, Zenon experiences life on Earth for the very first time in Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, interacts with extraterrestrial beings in The Zequel, and takes part in an exhilarating contest on the moon in Zenon: Z3. This series is celebrated not only for its imaginative storytelling but also for its unique slang like “Zetus Lapetus,” and for showcasing futuristic technology that was far ahead of its time, including portable video calls and voice-controlled assistants, which have since become part of our everyday lives.
Although Kirsten Storms has been embodying Maxie Jones for over two decades, she shared with TV Insider that the character she is most recognized for remains Zenon. She expressed her gratitude for the ongoing affection from fans who still cherish her Disney character:
“Most of the time, it’s individuals my age in their 30s,” Storms explained. “I frequently receive messages from viewers who tell me they recently introduced their children to the films, which I think is wonderful. Interestingly, I find that I engage in conversations about Zenon even more often than discussions about General Hospital. It’s truly rewarding, and I am very thankful for that recognition.”
Discover the Actress Who Nearly Became Zenon
Given how iconic Kirsten Storms’ portrayal of Zenon is regarded, it’s surprising to learn that she was not the only contender for the role. In a candid interview with TV Insider, the actress revealed that there was quite a bit of contention between the film’s director and producer regarding the casting choice. Ultimately, it came down to a competition between her and Allison Mack from Smallville:
“I went through what felt like seven callbacks,” said the star of General Hospital. “The director and producer had differing opinions on who should take the role. The other candidate was Allison Mack [who went on to play Chloe Sullivan in Smallville, then spent time in prison for her involvement in the cult-like NXIVM organization]. The director was in favor of Allison Mack, while the producers were rooting for me.”
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Despite the director’s preference for Allison Mack, Kirsten Storms was determined to secure the coveted sci-fi role. She shared her mindset during the audition process:
“I approached the situation knowing I was not the director’s first choice, but I have a strong desire to prove him wrong regarding my capabilities. That determination fuels my motivation, and I put in a tremendous amount of effort to showcase my talents.”
Kirsten Storms continues to regard her role in the Zenon trilogy as a defining moment in her acting career. All three films are available for streaming on Disney+, allowing both new viewers and nostalgic fans to relive the adventures of Zenon.
