So Selena Gomez Was Originally Supposed To Play The Part Of Hannah Baker In 13 Reasons Why

When it was first announced in 2011 that the book 13 Reasons Why was going to be adapted into a screenplay, Selena Gomez was cast as the leading lady, Hannah Baker.

The novel by Jay Asher documents the aftermath of an American high-school student’s suicide, and back then, it was penned as a movie for the big screen rather than a TV adaptation.

Selena has recently opened up about why she turned down the part, and why Australian actress, Katherine Langford, took the role instead.

Speaking to THR, the Disney Channel star explained, “I see myself as Hannah so much. Seven years ago I did and even more so today, which I think is funny because it’s backwards. The older I get the more insecure I get, which is odd.

“But that’s something a lot of people can relate to. Her personality is a quiet strength. I’ve never really been the one to be in anyone’s face. A lot of girls feel like they have to be a certain way for attention. Social media has amplified all of that. I get that she didn’t want that to be what her life was.”

Despite her strong connection to the character, Selena decided to give the part to another actress. She’s still passionate about the story though, and so she took on an executive producer role alongside her mother instead.

“A book is frightening for me because I know the cult following it has,” she says, “Which is the reason why I didn’t want to be in it.”

We love Katherine Langford’s portrayal of Hannah, and her exemplary performance in the Netflix series is sure to launch her acting career in a huge way.