Late last year, it was announced that 90s sitcom Boy Meets World would get its own spin-off in which lead characters Cory Matthews and Topanga Matthews (née Lawrence) would return as their adult selves with a child who would be the focus of the show, Girl Meets World.
Soon after, it was confirmed that Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel would return and would play their old characters. Savage wrote on Twitter: “I’m going to be a father! Well, on TV at least. The Boy Meets World sequel is officially happening.” And Fishel wrote a Tumblr screed about how the show changed her life.
And with the show’s pilot officially ordered by Disney, creator and executive producer Michael Jacobs heading up the pilot, and production set to begin February 2013, the part of their daughter has also been cast.
The 13-year-old daughter, “Riley,” will be the star of the show that picks up over 10 years after its predecessor’s finale. And following a national talent search, the part will be played by 11-year-old Rowan Blanchard whose credits include Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D and The Back-Up Plan.
Boy Meets World fans, meet your Girl: EW has exclusively learned that 11-year-old Rowan Blanchard will play the daughter of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) in the Disney Channel spin-off of Boy Meets World, titled Girl Meets World.
The Los Angeles-based actress, with credits in Spy Kids: All the Time in World in 4D and The Back-up Plan, was just notified tonight that she’d be playing the part of Cory and Topanga’s daughter Riley Matthews after a nationwide casting search.
“As soon as Rowan walked into the room, I was reminded of why Ben Savage was loved as Cory Matthews,” says Michael Jacobs, who’s producing the Girl Meets World pilot. “Rowan is real and accessible and I am hopeful this girl is about to meet a world that will love growing up with her as well.”
It should be stressed, however, that the return to World is still a ways away. The pilot for Girl Meets World is set to begin production next month. If it gets green-lit to series (which is all but assured), expect this Girl to find her place on Disney Channel’s 2013-14 schedule. – via Entertainment Weekly.
