Disney secrets: 'Hannah Montana' casting director reveals other stars who almost played Miley Cyrus' role
Can you imagine a world where Hannah Montana wasn't Miley Cyrus?
In a TikTok posted by the Disney series' casting director Lisa London, she revealed the three actresses considered to don the blonde wig.
A user on the platform claimed that Cheetah Girls 2 alum Belinda Peregrin almost played the titular role, but London clarified that the choice was actually among Cyrus, Taylor Momsen, and Daniella Monet.
@lisalondoncasting @fernandacortesx love your videos and wanted to share some insight on the casting of Hannah Montana #hannahmontana #belinda #disney #mileycyrus #disneychannel #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Lisa London Casting
The casting director showed a photo of a list of the three actresses who were in for the final auditions. They were picked over 1,200 girls to play the role of "Chloe Stuart," the first name of the character before Cyrus was eventually cast.
Momsen is known for her role in Gossip Girl as Jenny Humphrey while Monet was famous for starring in Nickelodeon shows like Zoey 101, Victorious, and A Fairly Odd Movie.
In another video, London said that she "actually did" discover Cyrus.
"For the record so everyone understands, let's clear up the word discover," the casting director wrote in the comments section of the video. "It means to recognize someone's talent and help to bring them to prominence. Along with the producers and Disney, that's what happened. The show became a phenomenon and [Cyrus] became a star!"
In 2021, the series celebrated its 15th anniversary and Cyrus even wrote a heartfelt letter to Hannah and her fans for the occasion.
"I am indebted not only to you Hannah but to any and everyone who believed in me from the beginning. You all have my loyalty + deepest appreciation until the end. With all sincerity I say THANK YOU!" part of the letter read.
Dear @HannahMontana, I still love you 15 years later. #HMForever pic.twitter.com/TBqZd5aOKh
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) March 24, 2021