Gossip Girl Reboot: Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated HBO Max Sequel Series

XOXO, Upper East Siders. Get ready to return to the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite, because the highly anticipated Gossip Girl sequel series has officially set its premiere date. Nearly a decade after the original groundbreaking show concluded, a new generation of privileged teens is about to enter the spotlight, complete with updated social dynamics and, of course, a mysterious, all-knowing blogger ready to expose their every secret. Here’s everything HollywoodLife has gathered about the upcoming HBO Max series, from its fresh faces to its intriguing plot twists and the possibility of seeing some familiar ones return.

Forget the traditional summer vibes; it’s officially going to be a Gossip Girl Summer! The much-hyped sequel series is set to make its grand debut in July 2021. The original Gossip Girl, which captivated audiences from 2007 to 2012, left an indelible mark on pop culture, influencing fashion, youth narratives, and our understanding of social media’s power long before it became ubiquitous. Now, the show is being revitalized with a sequel that promises to once again be the talk of the town, featuring an entirely new ensemble of stars ready to navigate the complexities of wealth, status, and digital surveillance in modern New York. Even before its premiere, the buzz surrounding the series is undeniable, and we’re already completely captivated by what’s to come.

Production for the new season is nearing completion, despite initial shooting delays caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Filming has brought the drama back to the iconic streets of the Big Apple, where the lavish lifestyles of the city’s most influential youth play out against a backdrop of luxury and intrigue. Gossip Girl herself has dramatically unveiled the premiere date, and HBO Max has followed suit by revealing the character names of the core cast members, each accompanied by a cryptic one-word teaser hinting at their personalities and roles within this new social hierarchy. Recent interviews have provided even more tantalizing details about these new characters, including some of their intertwined connections. HollywoodLife has meticulously compiled all the latest updates regarding filming progress, the definitive premiere date, the fresh cast, and even what some of the original stars have expressed about this exciting new chapter.

Gossip Girl New Cast Filming — The new cast of the *Gossip Girl* sequel series filming an iconic scene on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (MEGA)

Gossip Girl Reboot: Premiere Date & Where to Watch

The highly anticipated Gossip Girl reboot is scheduled to premiere on July 8 exclusively on HBO Max. The announcement of the premiere date was delivered in true Gossip Girl fashion, adding an extra layer of mystique and excitement for fans. Loyal followers were invited to text a specific number to receive real-time updates about the new series, directly from the anonymous blogger herself. On May 28, Gossip Girl tantalized her followers with a brief, ominous teaser: “You’ve gotten so comfortable thinking you’re in control…” This was swiftly followed by a second, equally provocative text message that solidified the premiere date: “Rise and shine, my dear. They say good things come to those who wait, and it’s time you get yours. See you July 8. XOXO.” Shortly after these cryptic messages, the first full-length trailer for the series was also released, offering a glimpse into the lavish world and new faces of Constance Billard and St. Jude’s. This innovative marketing strategy perfectly captured the spirit of the original show, utilizing modern communication methods to build suspense.

While the original series aired on The CW, marking its transition to a new era, the sequel will call HBO Max its home. This move to a premium streaming platform signals a potential shift towards more mature themes and a higher production budget, allowing the showrunners to explore the lives of these wealthy New York teens with greater depth and detail. As of now, HBO Max has not yet clarified its release strategy for the 10-episode series. Fans are eager to know whether new episodes will be released weekly, building anticipation and discussion over time, or if the entire season will be dropped all at once, allowing for a binge-watching experience. The cast’s Cosmopolitan May/June 2021 cover story, which provided an early look at the stars, also confirmed the July premiere window, further fueling the anticipation for this summer’s must-watch series.

Filming & Iconic New York Locations

The production journey for the Gossip Girl sequel series has been a testament to resilience, adapting to unprecedented global challenges. Originally slated for a fall 2020 premiere, filming was significantly delayed earlier that year due to the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, pushing back expectations. However, with careful planning and safety protocols, cameras finally began rolling in October 2020. The series has primarily been filming across iconic locations in New York City, truly immersing the new narrative within the familiar, luxurious backdrop that defines the Upper East Side. Beyond New York, Variety reported that additional shooting took place in Los Angeles and Vancouver, allowing for diverse scenic elements to enhance the show’s visual appeal.

The commitment to capturing the authentic New York City atmosphere is evident in the choice of filming locations. Early glimpses from the set quickly circulated online, exciting fans worldwide. Cast member Emily Alyn Lind, for instance, shared a snapshot from the makeup trailer on her Instagram Story, simply writing “Day 1,” marking the official start of her journey into the world of Constance Billard. In early November 2020, co-stars Eli Brown and Whitney Peak were spotted filming a pivotal scene in the bustling streets of New York City. A truly iconic moment for long-time fans occurred on November 10, 2020, when a large portion of the new ensemble cast—including Emily, Eli, Whitney, Evan Mock, Zión Moreno, Thomas Doherty, Jordan Alexander, Savannah Lee Smith, and Tavi Gevinson—was photographed filming scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The majestic steps of the Met were a cornerstone location in the original series, serving as a regular meeting point and a symbol of the students’ privileged existence. Recreating these moments ensures a strong visual connection to the beloved predecessor while introducing a fresh narrative, promising both nostalgia and novelty for viewers.

Meet the New Faces of the Upper East Side: The Cast

The excitement surrounding the Gossip Girl reboot reached a fever pitch in 2020 when the names of the main cast members were gradually unveiled. As a special treat for fans, the first in-depth details about these new characters were finally revealed on New Year’s Day. Each cast member’s character name was announced, accompanied by a compelling one-word teaser designed to spark curiosity and hint at their inner world and place in the intricate social tapestry of the Upper East Side.

Emily Alyn Lind as Audrey Hope

Emily Alyn Lind takes on the role of Audrey Hope, a character defined by the single word teaser: “grace.” At 18, Emily is already known for her compelling performances, including playing the younger version of Amanda Clarke in the hit series Revenge. Her film credits include the popular Netflix horror-comedy films The Babysitter and its sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen, as well as the Stephen King adaptation Doctor Sleep, where she played Snakebite Andi. Emily is also the daughter of One Tree Hillalum Barbara Alyn Woods, bringing a touch of TV legacy to the cast. Audrey’s pursuit of “grace” suggests a character who might embody classic Upper East Side elegance, perhaps struggling to maintain appearances amidst the digital chaos, making her a fascinating figure to watch.

Thomas Doherty as Max Wolfe

Scottish actor Thomas Doherty, 25, embodies Max Wolfe, a character whose essence is captured by the word “freedom.” Thomas gained widespread recognition for his role as Harry Hook in Disney’s popular Descendants film franchise. His personal life also made headlines during his relationship with his Descendants co-star Dove Cameron, which lasted from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, he made an appearance as Sebastian in Legacies, a spinoff of The Vampire Diaries. Max’s dedication to “freedom” suggests a character who might challenge societal norms and expectations on the Upper East Side, perhaps reminiscent of a Chuck Bass-esque rebellion but with a modern, fluid twist, promising a dynamic and unpredictable presence in the series.

Jordan Alexander as Julien Calloway

Jordan Alexander, 27, has been cast in the role of Julien Calloway, a character whose defining trait is “influence.” The Canadian singer and actress has previously showcased her talents in the TV series Sacred Lies and Unbury the Biscuit. Beyond acting, Jordan is also a musical artist, having released her single “You” in June 2020. Julien’s connection to “influence” strongly suggests she will be a central figure in the new social hierarchy, perhaps a queen bee or a trendsetter whose actions ripple through the Upper East Side. Her background as a singer and actress might also hint at a character who uses her platform and charisma to wield power, making her a formidable presence in the series.

Eli Brown as Otto “Obie” Bergmann IV

Eli Brown, 21, plays one of the lead characters, Otto “Obie” Bergmann IV. Obie’s one-word teaser? “Privilege.” The actor had his breakthrough role in the Pretty Little Liars spinoff, The Perfectionists, which aired for one season. His other credits include the Netflix series Spinning Out and the films Run Hide Fight and The F**k-It List. Obie’s character, rooted in “privilege,” suggests an exploration of inherited wealth and the responsibilities or detachment that come with it. He could represent the more socially conscious side of the Upper East Side, perhaps grappling with his advantages in a world increasingly aware of inequality, offering a fresh perspective on the elite.

Savannah Smith as Monet de Haan

Newcomer Savannah Smith steps into the role of Monet de Haan, a character whose driving force is “power.” The Gossip Girl reboot marks Savannah’s significant breakout role, introducing her to a wide audience. Currently, she is honing her craft by studying acting at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. Monet’s dedication to “power” suggests a character who is ambitious, strategic, and perhaps ruthless in her pursuit of dominance within her social circle, echoing some of the formidable female characters from the original series, but with a fresh, contemporary edge. Her portrayal will undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the cutthroat world of the Upper East Side.

Evan Mock as Akeno “Aki” Menzies

Evan Mock, 22, portrays Akeno “Aki” Menzies, whose one-word teaser is “innocence.” This role marks Evan’s debut in the acting world, a transition from his already prominent career as a notable skateboarder and model. He has graced campaigns for high-fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, Lanvin, and Saint Laurent. Beyond modeling, Evan is also an accomplished photographer, having shot a Saint Laurent sneaker campaign and even capturing Travis Scott during his tour. He also manages his own clothing brand, Sorry in Advance. Aki’s “innocence” suggests a character who might be new to the cutthroat social games of the Upper East Side or perhaps possesses a genuine naivety, making him vulnerable or a refreshing contrast to the more jaded characters. His diverse background hints at a character with hidden depths and a unique perspective.

Zión Moreno as Luna La

Zión Moreno, 28, stars as Luna La, a character whose entire persona revolves around “style.” Zión has previously appeared in the TV series Control Z and Claws, and her first credited film role was in the 2019 film K-12. Luna’s focus on “style” hints at a character who is a fashion icon and possibly a trendsetter within her social circle, much like some of the beloved fashionistas from the original series. She could represent the aesthetic and superficial pressures of the Upper East Side, or perhaps use her keen eye for fashion to wield influence and subtly manipulate situations. Her character will certainly bring a strong visual element and an emphasis on the sartorial splendor that Gossip Girl is renowned for.

Whitney Peak as Zoya Lott

Whitney Peak, 17, brings to life Zoya Lott in the sequel series, a character whose core value is “perspective.” The actress has a notable background, having previously played Judith in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Alpha Jessica in Home Before Dark. One of her earliest roles was in the critically acclaimed 2017 film Molly’s Game. Zoya’s emphasis on “perspective” indicates she will be an observant and perhaps more grounded character, serving as a fresh lens through which viewers can experience this elevated world, much like Dan Humphrey in the original series. Her outsider status could allow her to see the Upper East Side’s drama with a critical eye, offering insights that challenge the prevailing narratives and expectations.

Tavi Gevinson as Kate Keller

Tavi Gevinson, 24, takes on the role of Kate Keller, whose character is driven by “ambition.” Tavi is widely recognized as the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular online magazine Rookie, a platform that championed young female voices. Over the years, she has successfully transitioned into acting, accumulating a diverse range of credits in films and television shows. Notably, she made her impressive Broadway debut in 2014 in the play This Is Our Youth. Kate’s “ambition” suggests a character who is highly motivated and goal-oriented, potentially representing a different kind of power within the Upper East Side — one that is earned rather than inherited. Her character could be a refreshing disruptor, using intellect and drive to navigate the world of privilege, and perhaps even challenging the traditional definitions of success within this exclusive society.

The Intriguing Plot of the New Gossip Girl

The new Gossip Girl series is set to immerse viewers in the very same universe that hosted the original, beloved drama. This continuity is a crucial element for fans, establishing a familiar yet evolved world. According to Deadline, the official logline for the series reads: “Eight years after the original website went dark, a new generation of New York private school teens are introduced to the social surveillance of Gossip Girl. The prestige series will address just how much social media — and the landscape of New York itself — has changed in the intervening years.” This summary highlights the core premise: a return to the world of exclusive private schools, but with a keen awareness of how the digital age has transformed communication, relationships, and the very nature of privacy.

Much like the elusive identity of Gossip Girl herself, significant plot details for the new series are being kept under wraps to maintain an air of mystery. However, showrunner Joshua Safran, who was also a writer and executive producer on the original series, did drop a tantalizing hint in an April 2021 interview with Cosmopolitan, teasing a major “twist” within the show. “My hope is that we make it to airing and people don’t know,” Josh stated, adding, “I would love to see that conversation happen in the context of people having seen it as opposed to talking about something they haven’t seen.” This suggests the twist is integral to the narrative and will profoundly impact the viewing experience, possibly relating to the identity of Gossip Girl or the very structure of the surveillance itself.

According to the same interview, Zoya Lott (Whitney Peak), much like Dan Humphrey before her, will serve as the audience’s guide through this brave new world of elite private school drama. This choice indicates a character who might be an outsider or someone with a fresh perspective, making her relatable to viewers. Audrey Hope (Emily Alyn Lind) is characterized as a “posh student at Constance” and has been in a long-term relationship with Aki Menzies (Evan Mock). Audrey’s best friend is Julien Calloway (Jordan Alexander), implying a complex web of friendships and potential rivalries reminiscent of the original series’ core relationships. As for Thomas Doherty’s character, Max Wolfe, he’s promised to deliver some very sexy scenes, pushing boundaries in true Gossip Girl fashion. Thomas himself candidly told the magazine, “Does Max make out with boys? Yes, I do get naked, and yes, I do indulge.” This confirms a modern, more inclusive approach to sexuality and relationships within the show.

Crucially, the behind-the-scenes creative team remains largely consistent with the original series, ensuring that the reboot maintains the tone and quality fans expect. Joshua Safran, whose contributions to the original were significant, is once again at the helm. He is teaming up with Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the visionary co-creators of the original series, who return as executive producers for this new iteration. This reunion of key creative minds promises a faithful yet evolved continuation of the Gossip Girl legacy, blending the iconic elements with contemporary storytelling relevant to a new generation of viewers.

Will the Original Cast Members Return?

It is undeniable that the beloved CW series propelled its core cast members — Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick, and Chace Crawford — into household names. The show, which ran for six seasons, transcended television to become a bona fide pop culture phenomenon, shaping fashion trends, social media discussions, and the landscape of teen dramas. For the sequel series, only one original cast member has been officially confirmed to return: Kristen Bell. Her iconic voice, which brought the titular Gossip Girl to life, will once again narrate the HBO Max series, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, ensuring that signature element remains intact.

Original Gossip Girl Cast — The original cast of *Gossip Girl*, a series that ran from 2007 to 2012, became a global pop culture sensation. (The Everett Collection)

As for the beloved core five cast members, discussions have indeed taken place. Josh Schwartz, co-creator and executive producer, revealed at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in 2019 that they had reached out to all of them. “We’ve reached out to all of them to let them know it was happening and we’d love for them to be involved if they want to be involved, but certainly didn’t want to make it contingent upon [them being involved],” Schwartz stated. He emphasized a respect for the actors’ decisions: “They played these characters for six years, and if they felt like they were good with that, we want to respect that, but obviously… it would be great to see them again.” This cautious approach acknowledges the challenges of bringing back established stars who have moved on to diverse careers, yet leaves the door open for potential cameos that would thrill long-time fans.

Individual cast members have also weighed in on the possibility. Chace Crawford, who portrayed the charming Nate Archibald, expressed a degree of openness to the idea. “I could maybe come back and play a father or something. It’d be nice,” he commented on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2019. This suggests a potential generational bridge, with original characters perhaps appearing as parents or mentors. Penn Badgley, who famously played Dan Humphrey, the titular Gossip Girl himself, did not completely dismiss the idea of a return. He told Entertainment Tonight in 2019 that he had “not had conversations with any of the creators yet,” but that a return “would just depend on a lot of things.” This leaves fans hopeful that given the right circumstances and a compelling narrative, the original Gossip Girl might make an appearance.

Blake Lively Penn Badgley Gossip Girl — Blake Lively and Penn Badgley played iconic Upper East Side couple Serena van der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey. (The Everett Collection)

Blake Lively, who embodied the free-spirited Serena van der Woodsen, shared a similar sentiment regarding a potential return, echoing Penn’s cautious optimism. “It sort of all depends,” she toldVariety in 2017. Her hesitation stemmed from the significant commitment a full series entails: “Would I do seven years of the show? No, because it’s hard work and I’ve got my babies, and I don’t want to be away from them that much.” However, she left room for possibility, stating, “But I’ve just learned in life you never say never. I’m looking to do something that I haven’t done yet, not something that I did. But would I do that? Who knows — if it was good, if it made sense. We had so much fun shooting and living and working in New York City.” This suggests that a meaningful, limited cameo or guest appearance might be more plausible than a full-time return for such a busy star.

On a more enthusiastic note, Kelly Rutherford, who brilliantly played Serena’s glamorous mother, Lily van der Woodsen, expressed a clear desire to revisit her role. She told HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY that she would “love to return” to Gossip Girl. “It was such a beautiful time in my life and such a great role, and working with all these people was such a gift and such a joy,” Kelly shared with us back in August 2019. Her character, Lily, with her deep ties to the Upper East Side’s most influential families, would be a natural fit for a cameo, providing a direct link to the original series’ generational drama and offering fans a comforting dose of nostalgia. As the premiere date approaches, the anticipation for both the new stories and the potential nods to the past only grows stronger. You know you love it, XOXO.