Even 20 years after the debut of Hannah Montana, it nonetheless seems like Miley Cyrus was the proper match for that position. She and the fictional character had been virtually synonymous and in some ways, nonetheless are at present. So discovering out {that a} totally different Disney Channel veteran was not solely up for the half however basically had the job is totally jarring to me. Additionally, to know that it was one half of an iconic sisterly musical duo, each of who had been baby stars and nonetheless within the business at present is what’s actually blowing my thoughts.
Sisters and musical duo, Aly & AJ (Michalka) had been two staples of Disney Channel’s early 2000s period. Not solely did their music movies recurrently seem on the channel, however additionally they co-starred within the authentic film Cow Belles. Aly, for her half, was additionally one of many forged members on the Disney sitcom Phil of the Future. Whereas the Michalkas had been friends on the Name Her Daddy podcast, the Simple A alum was requested in regards to the rumor of her being up for the lead position on Hannah Montana, and he or she had this to say:
I had the supply. Phil [of the Future] hadn’t ended at that time. It was like they knew that Phil, I believe, was on the way in which out or informed us we would not be doing a 3rd season. And Gary – who was the pinnacle of the channel – Gary Marsh, on the time, was like, ‘This pilot has are available in, and we expect that you simply’re actually good for it.’ And I simply keep in mind studying it and being like, ‘Wait, however I’m doing music as Aly, and this is likely to be actually complicated, being Hannah and being the character additionally taking part in Hannah.’
It’s loopy to assume that Aly Michalka may’ve been the identify connected to Hannah Montana. Gary Marsh and co. had been good to faucet the Hellcats actress, since they already knew her and had been conscious of her skills as an actress as properly. Michalka additionally beat out two actresses for HM — Daniella Monet and Taylor Momsen. Introduced with these three choices, although, I believe Michalka was the best alternative.
The now-35-year-old singer defined that doable confusion on viewers’ elements wasn’t her solely cause for turning down the gig. She shared that whereas she was in talks for Hannah Montana, she needed to know if there’d be an area for sister AJ Michalka. Whereas the execs provided a selected position, it simply did not sit properly with both sibling:
And I used to be like, ‘How does AJ relate to this?’ After which they actually stated, ‘AJ may play one of the best good friend half.’ Lily. … I used to be like, ‘Nevertheless it feels prefer it’s my present, it’s probably not like, Hannah and Lily’s present.’ And I believe at that time, too, I used to be most likely near being 17 at that time, which is humorous, too. As a result of we weren’t on the channel for that lengthy. I booked Phil at 13, after which, by the point it was over, I used to be like, no matter 16 and a half or one thing. So I used to be virtually 17, I believe, when that was provided, and I simply remembered pondering, ‘I’ve form of completed what I needed to do right here on the channel.’
The considered Aly & AJ taking over one of the vital beloved Home of Mouse-produced reveals in existence is simply so wild. It’s arduous for me to think about how they’d’ve carried out in comparison with Miley Cyrus and Emily Osment. I do perceive why the iZombie actress needed to maneuver on although, because it was solely pure that she’d wish to increase past youngsters’s programming. Plus, Hannah Montana ended up being successful, which is why some could now marvel if it’s going to turn out to be one other traditional Disney Channel authentic collection that will get revived. Although I doubt Miley Cyrus, who has love for Hannah, would return.
The world of casting will be tough, and every decade has their fair proportion of “what if” tales, with the Mouse Ears station being no exception. If Hannah Montana starred Aly Michalka, it may’ve been fully totally different. Nonetheless, contemplating how every thing performed out, I would say it was all for one of the best.
You’ll be able to watch all 4 seasons of Hannah Montana with a Disney+ subscription, and the identical goes for Cow Belles and Phil of the Future.