In an exclusive yesterday, Deadline reported that America’s Got Talent winner, Grace VanderWaal, has been cast as the lead in Stargirl. Disney is adapting the young adult novel of the same name into a film for their upcoming streaming service.
What’s happening:
- Deadline reported the news yesterday that Grace VanderWaal has been cast in the lead role in Stargirl.
- Disney is adapting the young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli into a feature length film for their Direct to Consumer streaming service. Stargirl will be among the first films made exclusively for the service.
- Stargirl is about a high schooler who’s eccentricities make her stand out. At first, she’s loved by her classmates, then they begin to turn on her. Will she succumb to the crowd and conform to “normal?”
- VanderWaal beat out nearly 700 other actresses for the role. Stargirl will mark her acting debut.
- Principal photography is scheduled to being on September 24th with filming locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico and parts of Arizona.
What they’re saying:
- Director Julia Hart on casting VanderWaal: “I knew she was Stargirl almost immediately. The world knows what a talented performer she is, and I cannot wait for everyone to see just how many sides there are to this special and magical young woman.”
More on VanderWaal:
- The singer won the hearts of the judges and audiences on the reality show when she performed an original song. She later went on to be crowned the 2016 winner of America’s Got Talent at 12-years-old.
- While Stargirl marks her acting debut, VanderWaal is no stranger to performing, writing, and producing. The now 14-year-old released her debut album, Just the Beginning in 2017.
- VanderWaal has won several awards including:
- Radio Disney Music Award — The Freshest/Best New Artist
- Teen Choice Award — Choice Next Big Thing
- 2017 Billboard Women in Music — Rising Star Award