For Disney kids of the early aughts, it's been a roller coaster of nostalgia when it comes to our favourite childhood shows. For me, it began with the news that Cory and Topanga would be continuing their story on Girl Meets World, and while it brought us the iconic Rowan Blanchard [1] and Sabrina Carpenter [2], the show just did not do it for me. Then, there was Raven's Home. I had hopes when I heard Anneliese van der Pol had signed on with Raven-Symoné, and I tuned in for that premiere as well. Besides a few chuckles, let's just say the shenanigans of 11-year-old twins doesn't make for the most riveting television for most 20-somethings (but no judgement if you're into it). The reboots seemed to not be for the original fans but for a new audience.
Then, the holy grail of all reboot announcements came at the D23 Expo in August 2019 — the one, the only Lizzie McGuire would be coming to us as a 30, flirty, and thriving adult for a new series on Disney+! I, along with the rest of the world, could not have been more excited. Finally, a reboot for us.
"I want any reboot of Lizzie to be honest and authentic to who Lizzie would be today." — Hilary Duff
Soon after, we got first looks of Hilary Duff [3] as the titular character, theories about Ethan Craft [4], and videos with Gordo [5]. Then, all of that came to a crashing halt in January 2020 (we should have known) when the showrunner exited the reboot, citing creative differences with Disney. Duff remained hopeful [6], but in true 2020 fashion, the reboot was officially called off on Dec. 16.
Heartbroken, I reluctantly read Hilary's Instagram post [7]. Then something miraculous happened — I wasn't upset anymore. I was . . . proud. She explained how sad she was but that "I want any reboot of Lizzie to be honest and authentic to who Lizzie would be today." Hell yes!
The creative team could have easily taken the money and ran, but instead they chose to respect Lizzie's legacy.
Lizzie helped me and so many others through those awkward tween years — from first bras to first kisses — and our grown-up Lizzie would not be as relatable if put through a G-rated filter. So, am I upset? Of course. But my primary emotion is appreciation. Duff and the rest of the creative team could have easily taken the money and ran, but instead they chose to respect Lizzie's legacy. I'm holding out hope for a change of heart (and streaming service), but I can rest easy knowing she's in the right hands under Hilary's care.