The Surprising Contenders for Hannah Montana Before Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus cemented her stardom two decades ago with her debut as Hannah Montana on television screens worldwide. However, it was a close call, as she wasn't the initial choice for the iconic Disney role. The recent Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Disney+ delved into the show's origins, revealing how the casting decision unfolded.
During a segment featuring Miley and her mother, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, former Disney Channel President Gary Marsh recounted the intense selection process. "We were down to the last two people, and you were this 12-year-old pistol and raw and real and fresh out of Tennessee," Gary said. "And you both left, there's 10 people in the room, and we took a vote. It was not a landslide." This highlights the uncertainty surrounding Miley's casting, which ultimately hinged on a risky decision by producers.
The Final Three Actresses in the Running
Casting director Lisa London recently shared insights via TikTok, disclosing the top three contenders from over 1,200 auditions. Her casting sheet from May 6, 2005, listed Taylor Momsen, Miley Cyrus, and Daniella Monet as the finalists. Lisa clarified that Mexican actress Belinda, despite viral claims, was never among the top three.
- Taylor Momsen: Initially the first choice, known for her role as Cindy Lou Who in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. She later gained fame as Jenny Humphrey in Gossip Girl and as the frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless.
- Daniella Monet: Seriously considered for the role, she went on to star as Trina Vega in Nickelodeon's Victorious. In 2025, she recalled the audition experience, describing it as a beautiful moment where she felt motherly towards Miley.
Other Notable Auditions and Offers
Beyond the final three, several other actresses were involved in the casting process, with some even receiving offers for major roles.
- Aly and AJ Michalka: Aly was reportedly the first person offered the role of Hannah Montana, while AJ was offered the part of Lilly Truscott. Aly declined, citing concerns about the show's premise conflicting with her musical duo identity with her sister.
- Lucy Hale: The Pretty Little Liars star auditioned at age 14 while living in Tennessee. She noted that the experience solidified her desire to become an actress.
- JoJo (Joanna Levesque): Reportedly offered the role but turned it down, expressing no regrets in later interviews, despite acknowledging the financial benefits she might have missed.
Why Miley Cyrus Ultimately Won the Role
In the anniversary special, Gary Marsh explained the rationale behind choosing Miley. He sent an email to the team stating, "We pride ourselves not just on creating great television, but on creating stars. I'm ready to pull the trigger on Miley." He acknowledged the risk involved but emphasized her potential for stardom, leading to the decision that forged a successful path for the show.
This casting story underscores the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, where a single choice can redefine careers and cultural icons. Miley's journey from a risky pick to a global star remains a testament to the power of taking chances in entertainment.
