GOSSIP GIRL REIMAGINED
Recently news broke that the high school drama series Gossip Girl was getting a reboot and 17- year-old me was so excited that I started to rewatch the original episodes on Netflix. When the show aired, chronicling the lives of some of Manhattan’s wealthiest (and arguably messiest) high schoolers, 12th grade me was hooked to the screen just waiting to see what drama would unfold each night. Although the luxurious lifestyle of penthouses, summers in Europe, limos, and dry martinis wasn’t that relatable to my lowkey Brooklyn lifestyle, I found myself imagining what it would be like to spend a day in the life of some of the characters. Wondering if I would find my own Nate Archibald to love before H.S. graduation.
As we all wait to see what the network’s reboot will look like, because we know not all reboots are worth the watch, I thought it would be fun to do my own Gossip Girl 2.0 reboot with actors who look more like the kids I went to high school with. Maybe this time they can be from Harlem or the Suburbs of D.C. instead of Upper Manhattan? The possibilities are infinite. Read below, and let us know how you’d re-cast the show.
xoxo
Serena van der Woodsen: Ryan Destiny
image credit: celebrity insider
Serena was one of the main stars of the show and everyone’s favorite IT girl. She was known to be the most beautiful girl at her private school and, because of her looks and charm, had her fair share of handsome men throughout the seasons. In picking Serena, I had to find someone beautiful, fashion forward, and able to grab the attention of everyone who sees her, which is why I decided on Ryan. Not only is she stunning, but she’s also super talented and a triple threat— she can act, sing and dance. And honestly, I think Ryan would give any of those Upper East Side kids a run for their money.
Blair Waldorf: Logan Browning
credit: BET awards
Ah Blair, the Queen Bee and HBIC of the Constance Billard School for Girls. Although Serena received most of the attention, Blair was by far my favorite character because of her wit, mischievous plots, poised demeanor, and ability to do anything for her loved ones. If you’ve seen Logan’s work on Hit the Floor, then you know why she is the perfect fit to play a character with a little good but a lot of BAD.
Dan Humphrey: Tristan “Mack” Wilds
Lonely boy Dan was the Brooklyn outsider of the group who’s on-again off-again relationship with Serena was what kept him relevant for so long in the world of the UES. Mack’s chill demeanor would bring some needed swag to Dan’s otherwise meek character.
Chuck Bass: Diego Tinoco
credit: bello magazine
Chuck had one of the most profound character developments of the series as he went from the manipulative most-hated man, to someone that began to show a softer side and fans rooted for. Diego’s acting career has been on the rise, and we think he has the range and appeal to do Chuck Bass justice. We can already see the heated scenes unfolding between him and Logan.
Nate Archibald: Trevante Rhodes
credit: erik umphery
Nate had teenaged girls giggling and blushing from the westside to the eastside because of his calm voice and pretty boy persona. His character experienced some ups and downs, but still remained genuine and kind throughout the series. Trevante can do no wrong in our eyes and possesses the charm and handsome looks to fit Nate’s storyline.
Vanessa Abrams: Shay Mitchell
credit: teen vogue
Vanessa was an artist, another Brooklynite, and Dan’s best friend. She wasn’t born into the lavish lifestyle of some of the Manhattan characters, but also had enough spunk and sass to stand up to even Blair. I picked Shay for Vanessa because she learned to be fierce and brave on PLL, so we have no doubt she’ll do the same as Vanessa, and maybe make V a more likeable character.
Jenny Humphrey: Alisha Boe
image credit: coveteur
Jenny was the annoying little sister that seemed to always be way out of her league. When she wasn’t causing problems, Jenny was an aspiring fashion designer with the confidence to make it big if she could just stay out of trouble. Young and fierce Alisha Boe would hit that mark tenfold.
Rufus Humphrey: Sterling K. Brown
image credit: balance media
Honestly, who else could play the talented and down to earth Papa of the Humphrey Clan. Rufus wasn’t perfect but he did a lot to care for his children, and we’d love to see Sterling take this on while adding a little humor to his legacy of characters.
Lily van der Woodsen: Kerry Washington
image credit: stylecaster
Lily was a socialite who often seemed to put wealth, social status, and every ex-husband above her children. However, she was still was a mother who would do any and everything to protect them. Kerry has the skills to be both motherly and sincere, while also a force to be reckoned with if crossed. Plus, I’d pay to see Kerry and Sterling act out the Lily-Rufus relationship.
Gossip Girl: Constance Wu
image credit: bust magazine
The role/voice of Gossip Girl is arguably the most important of the show. With just a click of a button, GG had the power to expose secrets and ruin lives all before breakfast. While Kristen Stewart was an amazing voice for Gossip Girl for all 6 seasons, we can see Constance bringing her humor and sarcasm to this simple yet necessary role.
