Disney Channel Orders 'Girl Meets World' to Series

[Via thewrap.com...]

The "Boy Meets World" spinoff will debut in 2014

Thirteen years after ABC's coming of age comedy, "Boy Meets World," signed off in 2000, it's getting a spinoff.

Disney Channel announced on Monday that it has officially ordered the "Girl Meets World" pilot to series. The youth cable network has yet to determine the amount of episodes for the order, though production on the comedy begins this summer for a 2014 debut.

"'Boy Meets World' and its story of adolescent self discovery resonated with an entire generation of tweens," Disney Channel Worldwide's original programming executive vice president, Adam Bonnett, said in a statement.

"In the same way audiences fell in love with Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence, we look forward to introducing our viewers to their daughter Riley Matthews in 'Girl Meets World' and building a memorable connection with a whole new generation of fans."

Eleven-year-old "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World 4D" star Rowan Blanchard will play the titular "girl" with Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel reprising their roles as childhood sweethearts Cory and Topanga, relatively.

On the spinoff set in New York City, Cory and Topanga Matthews' daughter, Riley (Blanchard), takes on seventh grade with best friend, Maya ("Sofia the First" star Sabrina Carpenter). Cory is a history teacher at the school while Topanga owns a diner, a popular after school hangout.

"I am grateful to everyone at Disney Channel for the opportunity to reach my favorite audience, which has always been kids," Michael Jacobs, who created "Boy Meets World" and its spinoff, said.

"'Girl Meets World' is a new show for a new generation that will be rooted in the same kind of honest, comedic storytelling about coming of age and the importance of family and friendship that made 'Boy Meets World' so popular."

"Boy Meets World" writer/producer April Kelly co-created the spinoff with Jacobs, who will executive produce the It's a Laugh Productions Inc. multi-camera series.

On the pilot, Teo Halm plays Riley's older brother Elliott; Peyton Meyer plays a romantic interest for Riley; Corey Fogelmanis is a smart fellow student; and William Daniels reprises his role of Mr. Feeney, school principal and later a college professor on the original series. Disney Channel didn't confirm if the actors would move on with the series.

Jacobs has said there's a good chance that Rider Strong will reprise his role as Cory's best friend, Shawn Hunter, the only character to appear on every episode of "Boy Meets World" aside from Cory and Topanga.

Jackee Harry In 'Girl Meets World' Pilot

[Via huffingtonpost.com...]

Jackee Harry has joined the "Girl Meets World" cast. Disney confirmed to The Huffington Post that the "Sister, Sister" and "227" veteran filmed a role in the pilot. No other details about her role have been revealed.

"Girl Meets World" checks back in with Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) from the ABC series "Boy Meets World." The couple now has teen children of their own. In addition to Savage and Fishel, "Boy Meets World" veteran William Daniels will also appear in the pilot. The teen cast includes Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter and Teo Halm.

Disney has yet to order the pilot to series.

Harry won an Emmy for her work on "227." Her other TV credits include "Everybody Hates Chris," "Let's Stay Together" and the new series "The First Family," which reunites Harry with her "227" co-star Marla Gibbs.

Girl Meets World Begins Filming March 20 - March 22

Girl Meets World began filming for the very first time from March 20 till March 22. Ben Savage, who reprises his role as Cory Matthews in the upcoming Disney Channel series, which is a sequel to Disney's popular sitcom Boy Meets World, tweeted on his official twitter page (@BenSavage) the day before filming (March 21) a behind the scenes photo of the Girl Meets World set with the caption:

Almost showtime http://instagr.am/p/XEHs1Am1v3/

Additionally throughout the filming days Ben Savage tweeted: 

On the set http://instagram.com/p/XJFVDmm1mz/

And:

My first class http://instagram.com/p/XK45mam1t-/

                                     

The newly cast Cast Members for Girl Meets World also contributed to sharing the news, with Rowan Blanchard, who plays Riley Matthews, the daughter of Cory and Topanga tweeting on her official twitter page (@rowblanchard):

#girlmeetsworld http://instagr.am/p/XICjDdpdfY/

                                     

And: 

Last day of filming :(

Also:

That's a wrap! 😭 bensavage http://instagram.com/p/XLi6rUpdV5/

Teo Halm, who plays Cory and Topanga’s son, Elliott tweeted on his official twitter page (TeoHalm): 

THAT'S A WRAP! Had so much filming #gmw with @SabrinaAnnLynn @rowblanchard @BenSavage @peytonmeyer9 @coreyfogelmanis and @daniellefishel. 😄

And:

The fam. @rowblanchard @daniellefishel @sabrinaannlynn bensavage http://instagram.com/p/XLkTaMPmHc/

                                      

OK!'s Google+ Hangout Rewind: Danielle Fishel Introduces the Girls of 'Girl Meets World.'

[Via okmagazine.com...]



TGIF!

Why? Because today was the OK! Google+ Hangout with Danielle Fishel! Did you find time to fit this gem in your schedule? It was the event we've all been waiting for—and we are tickled to announce that it was a major Google+ Hangout moment.

Prepare to be amazed by the cutest (and we literally the CUTEST) Mother/Daughter moment you have ever witnessed. We were all hanging out with the bubbly and bright Danielle Fishel when, all of a sudden, two little celebs popped their heads in the dressing-room door.

Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter—the girls that play Riley Matthews and Maya Fox in Girl Meets World—made a surprise cameo in the OK! chat. But they didn't just say hello with a little wave.

After a hairstyle break, the two slipped on their acting shoes and put on a performance. Do you recognize the title "Donut In the Sky"?

If you remember Topanga dancing around Cory's kitchen with lipstick on her face, this clip will bring you to happy tears. So who is watching their Boy Meets World DVDs later?

Ah, the wonders of childhood.

Exclusive Image: "Girl Meets World" Pilot Episode Script

Ben Savage, who reprises his role as Cory Matthews in the upcoming Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, which is a sequel to Disney's popular sitcom Boy Meets World, tweeted on his official twitter page (@BenSavage) an image of a script for the Girl Meets World pilot episode.

We're on our way http://instagr.am/p/WiQnyTG1p3/

Girl Meets World is expected to begin filming this month and picks up where "Boy Meets World" left off. Riley Mathews, the preteen daughter of Cory and Topanga who married on the original series, tells the story from her point of view. Riley attends a school where hew father is also one of her teachers, and her brother is one grade above her - and often reminds her that he is also one grade higher in life's experiences. If opposites attract, then Riley's relationship with her best friend Maya is a perfect example. Riley is a happy, optimistic, cheery, and high spirited 13 year old girl with great parents - while Maya is a not-so-trusting pessimistic girl who has never met her father. Regardless, the two are immensely loyal to each other as friends.

Exclusive Girl Meets World Casting News: Meet Cory and Topanga’s Son Elliott!

[Via tvline.com...]

Hey girl, meet your older bro!

TVLine has learned exclusively that relative newcomer Teo Halm is joining Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World pilot as Cory and Topanga’s son, Elliott.

As we previously reported, Rowan Blanchard will play Halm’s onscreen sis and the prospective series’ title character, Riley.

The Boy Meets World spin-off — which picks up more than a decade after ABC’s TGIF staple went off the air — secured leads Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel in November. In a Tumblr post written soon after she signed onto the pilot, Fishel assured Boy‘s loyal (and — judging by social media — super-jazzed) fans that the new sitcom would share “familiar faces, familiar themes and familiar messages” with the original.

It also shares a key behind-the-scenes player: Boy Meets World creator and executive producer Michael Jacobs is in charge of the pilot, which begins production later this month for consideration on Disney Channel’s 2013-14 schedule. Sitcom vet John Whitesell (Roseanne, Cosby Show) is set to direct.

Girl Meets World Q&A: Rowan Blanchard Talks Meeting Danielle Fishel & Ben Savage; Reveals Her Hollywood Crushes

[Via accesshollywood.com...]

“Girl Meets World” pilot star Rowan Blanchard has landed the role of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga’s (Danielle Fishel) daughter, Riley Matthews, in the Disney Channel pilot spin-off of “Boy Meets World” – and she’s still reeling with excitement over her job – especially since meeting her onscreen parents.

AccessHollywood.com caught up with the 11-year-old, where she dished on some of her Hollywood favorites (crushes too!), how she plans on decorating her trailer and what advice she’s received since landing her plum role.

AccessHollywood.com: Have you met Danielle Fishel or Ben Savage yet? What did you talk about?

Rowan Blanchard: At the most recent audition, Danielle and Ben were there and I got to read a scene with them! I was so excited because, I mean, they ARE Corey and Topanga! We talked about “BMW” and school and “GMW.” It was really cool to meet them.

Access: What was the audition process like for this role?

Rowan: I auditioned literally 10 times! At the first audition, [the producers] told me I was perfect, only that I was too young. I went into the car and cried! Haha! Luckily, I was called back the next week.

Access: Have you seen any of the old episodes of “Boy Meets World”?

Rowan: Actually, a few weeks before I got the call for “Girl Meets World,” my sister and I started watching “Boy Meets World” in the mornings. It wasn’t until I read my sides that I realized they were even connected.

Access: Who is your favorite actor/actress? Who would you love to work with one day?

Rowan: I absolutely love Audrey Hepburn. She’s just so classy and talented. I also love Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman. I have a lot of respect for them because they both went to college and are very serious about their craft. My favorite actors are Tom Hanks and Humphrey Bogart – I know, Humphrey Bogart. Haha.

Access: What was the reaction from friends and classmates when you got cast?

Rowan: All of my friends were really excited and couldn’t contain their excitement. I tried not to talk about it in school because I don’t want to be treated differently. My best friend Raegan came over that night and brought me an Audrey Hepburn picture that is dated the day [my casting] was announced.

Access: Describe to us how you will decorate your trailer or dressing room.

Rowan: I will probably put up too many Audrey Hepburn posters! I will probably put up some Billy Joel and Judy Garland posters as well. How those two got together – I don’t know!

Access: Once you’re old enough, who would you cast as your on-screen boyfriend?

Rowan: Daniel Radcliffe, not only because he’s cute, but because I respect him as an actor.

Access: Who is your young star crush?

Rowan: Dakota Goyo from “Real Steel” and Colin Ford from “We Bought a Zoo.”

Access: Any Disney Channel idols that you look up to? Miley, Selena, Demi?

Rowan: I think Selena Gomez is very smart at acting and has made good choices in her life. I am literally counting down the days until “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex.”

Access: What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten on handling fame?

Rowan: Staying grounded and appreciating EVERYONE on the set, from the grips, to wardrobe. Also stay with your education and keep it a priority in my life.

If the “Girl Meets World” pilot is picked up, the series could land on Disney Channel’s 2013-14 schedule.

'Boy Meets World' reboot star Rowan Blanchard on playing Cory and Topanga's daughter -- EXCLUSIVE

[Via insidetv.ew.com...]

Last month, EW broke the news that 11-year-old Rowan Blanchard landed the coveted spot of Riley, the daughter of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel), in the pilot for the Boy Meets World reboot, Girl Meets World, which goes into production for the Disney Channel this month.

For the issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY on stands now, EW spoke exclusively to Blanchard, who most recently starred in Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D, about almost getting passed up for the part, meeting her on-screen parents for the first time, and the kinds of dilemmas her character will face (let’s just say boys are involved).

EW: When did you first hear about this part?
BLANCHARD: It was like in the beginning of December.

EW: Had you heard of Boy Meets World at the time?
BLANCHARD: I had heard of Boy Meets World before because it’s on like TV and stuff in the mornings so I watch it. I saw a few episodes and I really liked the idea of people growing up. When I found out I was [auditioning for] Girl Meets World, at first I didn’t know it had any relation to Boy Meets World and then I started reading the script and I saw Cory and Topanga and I was so excited.

EW: Girl Meets World executive producer Michael Jacobs told EW that he loved your first audition, but thought you might be too young for the part.
BLANCHARD: Michael goes, “I would have cast you right now if it weren’t for your age.” And then I was really disappointed. I actually went into the car and cried. My dad was like, “You know, it’s not your fault. It’s your age.” Then two weeks later we got a call that they wanted to bring me back in and make me look a little bit older. I was so excited.

EW: What was it like meeting Ben and Danielle for the first time?
BLANCHARD: It was really surreal to do the lines with them I have to say, because, you know, they’re Cory and Topanga. It was really cool to be able to read with them and get a feel for how the show was really going to play out.

EW: When I spoke to Michael, he said that Ben [who met Blanchard before Fishel] immediately clicked with you.
BLANCHARD: I could kind of tell he really liked me, so I was really happy about that, too.

EW: How could you tell?
BLANCHARD: When I was reading the lines, we played off each other really well. I know that takes some trust to be able to read with someone so easily, so I knew that we definitely liked each other.

EW: Have you had a chance to sit down with Ben and Danielle?
BLANCHARD: I did actually talk to them. The [producers] were in the room talking and they sent us out. We talked for about 10 minutes about school and if I’d seen Boy Meets World. It was really cool to have like a one-on-one conversation with them.

EW: Tell me about your character. Is she more like her mom or dad?
BLANCHARD: She’s a lot like her dad in that she’s not rebel. She struggles with that a little bit I think because her best friend who is edgy and stuff [and that] isn’t Riley. Riley wants to be her friend in a sense.

What is Riley’s relationship like with her parents?
BLANCHARD: I think she’s really close with both of her parents but she does struggle with her dad because she doesn’t like being like her dad. She wants to be more original.

EW: Does Riley want to be a singer or actress?
BLANCHARD: The show is about Riley growing up. It’s not about Riley singing or Riley dancing. I think that’s what makes the pilot unique. I feel like she’s going to be the one person who stays Riley.

EW: What kind of things will she be dealing with in school?
BLANCHARD: Crushes…[Laughs] I can’t really say anything more but basically in the script she’s dealing with boy problems.

EW: Riley is a year older than you. Do you have anything in common with her?
BLANCHARD: I do. We’re both very, very alike in the sense that we’re really loyal, and we’re both—I hate to brag—but smart. We both are excited and we both have a bright spirit. We’re both happy people who deal with everyday problems.

EW: Are there things in school that you’re dealing with that you think Riley will be dealing with?
BLANCHARD: I think Riley will deal with grades and you know the nervousness of when they’re passing the paper back and you don’t know what you got and you’re so nervous. Riley will deal with the problems that we deal with everyday in school.

EW: I hear Cory is a teacher at Riley’s school.
BLANCHARD: My dad was actually my P.E. teacher for a little bit, so I can definitely identify with that. Like I said Riley and I are almost exactly alike. I understand hating being called out on and getting treated differently, so I think Riley dislikes that her dad is her teacher because I know I definitely didn’t really like it. But I feel like it has its strong points too because she can come to him when she needs things. I also think he’s definitely harder on her because she is his daughter.

EW: In which ways are you and Riley different?
BLANCHARD: I mean there’s not much. We’re different in the sense that Riley kind of wants to not be like her parents and I kind of want to be like my parents. We’re not really different, we’re almost the same person.

EW: How do you feel about Riley’s uncle Shawn possibly making an appearance on Girl Meets World?
BLANCHARD: I think Riley would love having an uncle Shawn because Shawn’s character on Boy Meets World is a lot like the character of Maya, [who is Riley's best friend], kind of a rebel. I think Riley really likes the idea of going against the teachers even though she would never do it.

EW: When you watched the show did you have a favorite character?
BLANCHARD: Probably Topanga. She’s just so happy and pretty and smart and nice. I think that’s definitely something I would like to be like.

EW: What did you like about Boy Meets World?
BLANCHARD: I liked how it was original and how it was just about what we go through everyday. It wasn’t like there was a whole spin to it and this and this is going to happen. It was about what happens in a daily basis. It wasn’t like a soap opera or something so dramatic. It was something that had everything. A little bit of everything.

EW: What kind of reaction have you received since you’ve landed this role?
BLANCHARD: It was kind of crazy. My phone was blowing up and I had gained like 5,000 followers overnight. It was really surreal.

EW: Do you manage your own social media?
BLANCHARD: My mom kind of manages it, but I’m mainly on there. I understand Twitter much more than I understand Tumblr.

EW: What are people saying to you?
BLANCHARD: A lot of people are really excited to see the continuation of Cory and Topanga and Boy Meets World. I was getting a lot of positive feedback, which I was really happy about.

EW: Why do you think people are so excited about Girl Meets World?
BLANCHARD: I think people are excited because even watching Boy Meets World you can tell that those characters are going to do something when they get older. I think people are excited to see characters they grew up with continue.

EW: When you realized this was a reboot of Boy Meets World did you feel any pressure? Or do you feel any pressure now?
BLANCHARD: It’s not that I feel pressure, but I feel like we have to stick to what people loved about Boy Meets World.

EW: So what are you looking forward most to?
BLANCHARD: I’m most looking forward to working with Ben and Danielle and especially Michael. There was a time when I was auditioning and auditioning and I was either too young or too old and Michael really pushed for me so I’m really excited to work with him.

EW: Have you thought about how you’re going to balance a TV show?
BLANCHARD: School is the first priority because I love school and I really care about this, too — but I have to balance this out, too.

EW: What have your friends been saying?
BLANCHARD: Let’s just put it this way, my true friends are really happy for me, like really happy for me. My best friend Regan is just out of this world happy for me. She knows I’ll be able to balance it. She knows I’ll be able to still be her best friend and be on a show. My friends will help me stay grounded and so will my family.

'Boy Meets World' creator Michael Jacobs gives the scoop on his 'Girl Meets World' pilot

[Via insidetv.ew.com...]

After months of speculation surrounding the Boy Meets World reboot, Girl Meets World, it seems like the pieces are finally starting to come together. Early last week, EW broke the news that 11-year-old Rowan Blanchard was cast to play the series’ Girl, Riley Matthews. Since then, producers have also filled the spot of Riley’s best friend, Maya (Sabrina Carpenter), and announced the addition of two more roles (including one, Shamus Farkle, who sounds a whole lot like BMW’s resident geek Minkus). So, who else can we expect to see on Girl Meets World? And what will Cory and Topanga be like now that they’re all grown up? Entertainment Weekly spoke to Boy Meets World creator Michael Jacobs, who is exec producing the Girl Meets World pilot for Disney, to get the scoop on what fans of the coming-of-age classic should expect.

On why Girl Meets World almost didn’t happen: When execs at Disney first approached Jacobs with the idea of revisiting Boy Meets World, he promptly nixed the idea. “There’s a natural reticence to want to try and attempt something that you’ve been really lucky enough to do once,” explains Jacobs. But after mulling it over, Jacobs decided that he wanted to create a show for the “new generation of kids that live in a much more difficult world.” The only catch? Jacobs was dead set against doing a sequel, which he felt would amount to nothing more than a reunion show. “A reunion show that’s one and done,” says Jacobs, who instead suggested centering the pilot on Cory and Topanga’s daughter, Riley. “But to actually take the children of Cory and Topanga and watch on two levels [as they] grow up and as Cory and Topanga keep growing up, I can’t resist that. I can’t resist that and I’m very hopeful the audience won’t resist it either.”

On his vision for Girl Meets World: Like its predecessor, Jacobs says he hopes the pilot for Girl Meets World captures “the confusions about growing up and what we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to aspire to be.” As for Jacobs’ own aspirations for the show, he says, “There’s a column that I want to play in and that column contains The Wonder Years and Happy Days. That was always the column that I wanted Boy Meets World to be included in and I want Girl Meets World to be in that column as well.”

On Cory and Topanga as parents: They may have two kids, but don’t expect Cory and Topanga to have it all figured out. “Topanga has always been much more certain that Cory. Cory has always been confused. That would never stop,” says Jacobs, who explains that the long-time sweethearts will have differing points of views on parenting. “Now he’s a father. Cory Matthews doesn’t know how to be a father.”  Cory will also be grappling with his decision to become a teacher. “He’s following in the footsteps of  [Mr. Feeney], the most influential character in his life,” says Jacobs. “Should he be? Will he succeed? Can he influence children like Feeney influenced children? What is Topanga’s observation of that? How does she help? And what is Topanga’s life? And what has she become? You’ll remember we left the series and they were in Philly and they were going on an adventure to go to New York. Did they succeed? Did it work? All of that will be answered in the pilot.”

On Riley’s personality: Will the youngest Matthews be more like her dad or her mom? Jacobs won’t say, though he will reveal that “she is going to be much more like one than the other but that second parent will pop up in ridiculously unexpected times and places and add to the confusion of who this character is.” As for who she’s isn’t? Jacobs says that Riley will not aspire to be an actress, singer, or dancer as many fans have speculated. “That was never Boy Meets World and it’s the farthest thing that this show will be.”

On whether or not other Boy Meets World cast-members will make an appearance: While Jacobs says many of the supporting characters, including Riley’s brother and her rebellious best friend, will be reminiscent of old favorites like Shawn, Eric, and Minkus, he also adds that the door is “wide open” for those originals to make an appearance on the series if the pilot gets picked up. “I think there’s more than a chance,” says Jacobs, who explains that he’s spoken to many of the former cast members and that they’ve all expressed interest in being apart of the project in some capacity.  “I think there’s a strong chance,” he says.

On reuniting with Savage and Fishel: Though Jacobs has stayed in touch with both Savage and Fishel, he says reuniting with them for Girl Meets World has been “the greatest possible thing that can happen.” Jacobs, who refers to the actors as his surrogate children, is hoping fans will feel the same. “[Hanging out with them] is gratifying and rewarding and what I’m hopeful for is that there will be a vast audience who wants to hangout with them again as well.”

“Boy Meets World” Executive Producer Calms Our Fears About “Girl Meets World”

[Via shineon-media.com...]

We have to admit, we weren’t too thrilled when the news about a “Boy Meets World” spin-off…or should we say sequel was announced. Thankfully, executive producer Michael Jacobs recently chatted with The Hollywood Reporter and shared some things that put our minds at ease and make us say, “bring it on!”

Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel are on board to reprise their roles as Cory & Topanga and it was just announced that Spy Kids 4 star Rowan Blanchard will play their daughter Riley. No word yet on who will play their older son and Riley’s bff, but we are more curious to know if other BMW stars will make cameos or even be regulars. After the rumors of the show started, Rider Strong aka Shawn, said he had not been approached to be a part of the show, but Jacobs assures fans that he could still make an appearance.

“When Rider said that he was not approached about being a part of the show, there actually was no official show,” Jacobs shared. “[At the time] it was an idea that Gary Marsh, Adam Bonnett, Corey Marsh and the Disney Channel people called me up asking if I would be interested in doing this. It just got an official greenlight for pilot. I didn’t want to talk to everybody about something that was only a discussion. Then the world reacted and I got a bajillion phone calls. Rider and Will Friedle and all of the cast said, “What is this? We thought we were done!” We sat down with them and talked about what their roles on the show may be. Whoever wants to be part of this show will be and whoever wants to move on will. The most important thing is to see what the show is and then see what their part in it will be. Will Friedle said, “I will be at every taping.” Everybody is quite attached to it. The bottom line is: Will Rider or Will be a cast member? Will they put in appearances? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see.”

We have our fingers crossed that all of our favorites from the original will pop up. Want to read even more of Jacobs’ Q&A? Read the full Q&A inside…

Why about 11-year-old Rowan Blanchard made her right to play Cory and Topanga’s daughter? The thing about casting that has changed is that there were tapes that came in from all over the country, every city and town. When you say this was a national casting search, this really was. We looked at just about everybody. We had it in mind that she should be in seventh grade, 13 years old and that she should be representative of the typical 13-year-old girl. That’s basically how we set about Boy Meets World. We brought in finalists, girls we thought would be absolutely lovely in the role, and we had a test session. When we were listening to the girls and the dialog coming out of their mouths, we realized something was wrong. The girls seemed a little too old in aspect. We were doing a coming-of-age story and you can’t cast somebody who has already come of age. The cost of coming of age has gotten a little younger. I remembered Rowan and how I felt about her when she first came in. I felt like it was Cory Matthews walking into the room.

What were the first reactions to her? I put her in front of Gary Marsh, Adam Bonnett, Corey Marsh and all of the people at Disney Channel and they immediately said that they were very intrigued by this. It was our first breath of real honesty, that this was a real girl who was actually growing up. We came to love her quirkiness and naturalness. Rowan instructed us that this is the show we should be doing.

What’s the appeal of doing a project like this right now, 13 years after Boy Meets World went off the air? The appeal to me was exactly the same appeal that I had in doing the original, which is that I look around at the landscape and I look at my children and what is on television for them, and there are very few shows that are like this, what we aspire this show to be. I think of Boy Meets World and I think of Wonder Years and I think of Happy Days, which I grew up [with]. The thing that delineates this show is that I don’t want this to be anything except the natural experience of actually growing up in this current world. I’m reading a lot about, “Is this girl going to be a singer? Is this girl going to aspire to be an actress?” This is a girl who is going to aspire to put one foot in front of the other and to try and understand the confusion that is her life. That’s what I think becomes real about this show. The stories we intend on doing are stories about a real girl who is coming of age. The beauty of this show is the girl will have two parents whom the world has already watched come of age and their natural confusion in the next step of Cory and Topanga’s own evolution: being parents. I’m looking at what the condition of the world is right now for kids who are growing up and if we can offer the same sort of guidance and entertainment that Boy Meets World offered, then the show is a good thing to do right now.

From your perspective, Girl Meets World is filling a void that that you believe exists in TV? Since Boy Meets World went off the air, I haven’t seen this kind of programming on the air. That was reflected in the reaction, which I am extraordinarily grateful for. As soon as we talked about redoing the show, the response was so overwhelming and positive that no matter what happens with this show, myself, the staff, Ben and Danielle are incredibly gratified. It’s rare that in your own lifetime you get to hear positive response in this volume about the work that you’ve done. Boy never left the air. It ran on Disney Channel, it ran on ABC Family, it’s running on MTV2, you can turn on the television any time of day and catch an episode. There has to be the realization that the public does want this type of honest show or at least the aspiration to be honest in its characters.

Do you have fears that viewers may gravitate more toward Cory and Topanga, who I assume will act in support, than Riley? I think that’s a formula. I don’t want this show to be a part of a formula. Is there a lead? Are there supporting characters? Boy Meets World was always an ensemble. There is pretty much equal interest about who you would naturally term “supporting characters.” Ben and Danielle would be the first to say that Boy was always an ensemble that Ben was in the middle of with all of the stories spun out from him. Will Cory and Topanga be supporting characters? All of the characters will have their feature stories and will be paid close attention to, so hopefully the audience will love the characters the way they loved the characters on Boy. You’re going to be seeing a lot of Riley Matthews because she’s the point of view of this show but what influences her are all of the characters in her life. You are going to see very equal attention paid to Cory and Topanga and all of the other supporting cast as you would naturally term it.

How will the show be different than Boy Meets World considering it’s for Disney Channel, which has a different target audience than ABC? That is not going to influence what the tone and quality will be of the show. I’m hoping parents who grew up with the original Boy Meets World will put their children in front of this because they know what we’re going to do. The world is different today. Even in the 20 years since Boy first premiered, there have been so many changes in the lives of children and how they grow and what they have been exposed to on the television screen, the movie screen and the computer screen. That influenced why we couldn’t cast a 13-year-old because it seemed to me we were coming into the middle. It seemed to me there wasn’t much to learn at 13, which was sad to me in a way. What I’m hoping is that the freshness of this will be a girl at her absolute cusp of being able to be influenced by these surrounding forces. Cory, who has been nothing but confused all his life, will try to impress upon his daughter that he knows what he’s doing now and she will see right through that. That’s going to be one of the primary relationships within the show. Topanga’s observation and realization that neither of them know truly what they’re doing and it’s not an easy world to raise a child in is what makes this show great for right now.

Would you want this to run on Friday nights like Boy Meets World did? That’s not up to me. The people at Disney are extraordinarily bright at what they do. They will put the show at exactly the right place, at exactly the right time. My concern is when we get a time slot, our show is ready and we hit the ground running and the audience gets exactly what the audience wants.

How many versions of Girl Meets World did you toy with before landing on this one? This was it. Gary, Adam, Corey and their staff spoke to me about doing it. I spoke to my wife. I said, “Sequels are very tough. I don’t want to do anything at all that would hurt or tarnish whatever legacy the original had.” This was before the world reacted and demanded that I don’t. [Laughs] Now I’m under absolute command of the world and I’m paying very strict attention on what the show will be. The idea I came up with is the idea we’re going forward with. Girl Meets World can be told on two levels: the coming of age of Riley Matthews and two parents who haven’t quite come of age themselves

Is there anything that’s keeping you up at night? Are there challenges you’re facing in terms of how to stay as true to your original vision as possible? There is literally one thing that’s keeping me up at night. Now that we’ve gotten the response – and I’m reading a lot of it. I know this way lies madness. I know to read Twitter and Tumblr, which I never did before, and everyone at Disney is taking great stock in articles that say “these are the five things we demand from Girl Meets World,” “these are the ways the show has to go.” If we do a redo of the original series, that’s no good. Nobody wants that. The world [my kids are] growing up in is a far tougher world; it’s not the same world Cory Matthews met. I certainly don’t know that it’s as kid-friendly. It’s far more complex than it used to be because of their immediate access technologically, about things they should and shouldn’t. The thing that keeps me up is will I actually be able to communicate to a vast audience the joy of growing up with a bit more innocent confusion and a bit less wanting to run off the cliff and becoming much too old much too fast? If I can do that, then this is a real contribution.

'Boy Meets World' spin-off: Meet Cory and Topanga's daughter -- EXCLUSIVE

[Via EW.com...]

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 greenlit to series (which is all but assured), expect this Girl to find her place on Disney Channel’s 2013-14 schedule.

Disney Channel Casting New Exciting Sequel Series 'Girl Meets World'

[Via Examiner.com...]

It's a Laugh Productions has begun casting female teen series regulars for the new multi-camera Disney Channel series sequel "Girl Meets World". The show will continue where the ABC television sitcom "Boy Meets World" left off back in 2000, however the story jumps ahead to the present. That series ran successfully for seven years beginning in 1993. Auditions are taking place in Los Angeles and will continue through February, 2013 when shooting begins. The extras and stand-ins will be cast closer to the start of shooting in late January/February.

Academy Award nominee Michael Jacobs wrote and is executive producing the pilot episode and will the showrunner for "Girl Meets World" if Disney Channel picks it up to series. Four-time Young Artist Award nominee Ben Savage is returning as Cornelius "Cory" A. Matthews, and two-time Young Artist Award nominee Danielle Fishel is back playing the role of Topanga Matthews. In "Girl Meets World," Cory and Danielle have an amazing 13 year old daughter named Riley who is the main protagonist of the show. They also have a 14 year old son named Elliot. Riley is a bright, buoyant, cheerful girl who just so happens to attend a school where her father in also her history teacher. Her best friend Maya is the complete opposite type of person, however the two are extremely loyal to each other and enjoy an unwavering friendship.

Details on how talent can submit for acting roles, and registration information for extras can be found on the following casting post:

Disney Casting "Girl Meets World" Series Regulars

Story:

“Girl Meets World” picks up where “Boy Meets World” left off. Riley Mathews, the preteen daughter of Cory and Topanga who married on the original series, tells the story from her point of view. Riley attends a school where her father is also one of her teachers, and her brother is one grade above her – and often reminds her that he is also one grade higher in life’s experiences. If opposites attract, then Riley’s relationship with her best friend Maya is a perfect example. Riley is a happy, optimistic, cheery, and high spirited 13 year old girl with great parents – while Maya is a not-so-trusting pessimistic girl who has never met her father. Regardless, the two are immensely loyal to each other as friends. 

Disney Channel Developing ‘Boy Meets World’ Sequel Series

More than a decade after Boy Meets World ended its seven-season run on ABC, its sibling the Disney Channel is eying a sequel series. The channel has closed a deal with Boy Meets World co-creator/executive produced Michael Jacobs for the project, titled Girl Meets World, which is in early stages of development. It centers on the preteen daughter of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel), who married on the original series, and tells the story from her point of view.

Boy Meets World, the half-hour comedy that ran as part of ABC's "TGIF" block for seven seasons from 1993-2000, centered on the lessons learned by Cory Matthews as he goes through life starting as a young boy.

[Via tvline.com...]

The world has met Cory Matthews — is it time now to meet his daughter?

The Disney Channel is in the early stages of developing a Boy Meets World sequel series called Girl Meets World, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Sources say that the cable network is trying to land original series stars Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel to revisit their roles of sweethearts Cory and Topanga, who married before their ABC sitcom ended its seven-season run. The new series would center on their preteen daughter. 

Since wrapping Boy, Savage’s TV guest-star gigs have included Bones, Chuck and Without a Trace. Fishel’s post-Boy work includes National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze and hosting Style Network’s The Dish.

The world has met Cory Matthews — is it time now to meet his daughter?

Read More at: http://tvline.com/2012/11/02/girl-meets-world-sequel-pilot-disney/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referra

The world has met Cory Matthews — is it time now to meet his daughter?

Read More at: http://tvline.com/2012/11/02/girl-meets-world-sequel-pilot-disney/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referra

The world has met Cory Matthews — is it time now to meet his daughter?

Read More at: http://tvline.com/2012/11/02/girl-meets-world-sequel-pilot-disney/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referr