Unraveling the ’13 Reasons Why’ Casting Mystery: Anne Winters on Almost Playing Hannah Baker and Her Pivotal Role as Chloe in Season 2
The Netflix phenomenon 13 Reasons Why captivated audiences worldwide with its poignant and often harrowing portrayal of adolescence, mental health struggles, and the devastating aftermath of suicide. While viewers quickly became intimately familiar with Hannah Baker’s tragic story, brought to life so powerfully by Katherine Langford, few realize just how close another talented actress came to stepping into those iconic shoes. Anne Winters, a rising star now known for her role as Chloe in the second season of the acclaimed series, revealed in an exclusive interview that she was initially a strong contender for the lead role of Hannah.
Before ultimately being cast as the complex character Chloe in the show’s highly anticipated second season, Anne Winters’ journey with 13 Reasons Why began with an almost-there moment that could have dramatically altered the series’ history. The 23-year-old actress shared with our publication, “I actually almost got the role of Hannah. I went to New York and met Brian [Yorkey, the show’s creator] and everything.” This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-unpredictable world of Hollywood casting, where a single decision can redefine careers and iconic television roles.
The Audition That Almost Was: Anne Winters as Hannah Baker
The role of Hannah Baker was undeniably one of the most coveted and challenging in recent television history. Tasked with portraying a character whose suicide triggers the entire narrative, the actress chosen needed to convey immense vulnerability, depth, and resilience, even in retrospect. Katherine Langford, then 21, ultimately secured the part, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with viewers and earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination, solidifying her status as a breakout star. Her portrayal of Hannah was lauded for its authenticity and emotional power, making it difficult for many fans to imagine anyone else in the role.
However, Anne Winters’ near-casting as Hannah Baker underscores the rigorous selection process and the competitive nature of securing a lead role in a major Netflix production. Meeting with Brian Yorkey, the creative force behind the adaptation, indicates that Winters was clearly high on the list of potential candidates. This stage of the casting process goes beyond mere auditions; it involves chemistry reads, in-depth discussions about the character’s psyche, and an assessment of an actor’s ability to shoulder the immense emotional weight of such a role. For any young actor, coming so close to a career-defining opportunity, only for it to go to someone else, is undoubtedly a profound experience. It speaks volumes about Winters’ talent that she progressed so far in the casting for such a pivotal character.
The significance of Hannah Baker’s character extended beyond the screen; she became a symbol for discussions around bullying, sexual assault, and mental health. The actress embodying her had the monumental task of representing countless real-life experiences, making the casting decision one of the most crucial for the show’s overall impact and reception. That Anne Winters was considered a strong fit for such a layered and impactful character speaks to her early promise and the range of her abilities, even before her eventual return to the series in a different, yet equally significant, capacity.
Navigating Disappointment: Watching ’13 Reasons Why’ as a Near-Cast
For actors, the emotional landscape of auditions and rejections is a familiar yet often difficult terrain. Anne Winters openly shared her candid feelings about not securing the role of Hannah Baker. “You know, when you don’t get something you’re like oh, that sucks,” she admitted during our conversation. This sentiment is universally understood by anyone who has faced professional setbacks, but for an actor, watching a project they almost led become a global sensation can be particularly bittersweet.
Initially, Anne confessed to a natural inclination to distance herself from the show. “When it was such a big hit at the beginning I was like you know what, I don’t need to watch it right now. I’ll wait ’til later.” This reaction is entirely relatable; it’s a way to process the disappointment and avoid the immediate sting of seeing what might have been. However, the immense buzz surrounding 13 Reasons Why and its critical acclaim eventually made it impossible to ignore. The series rapidly became a cultural touchstone, sparking widespread discussion about its themes and performances.
The narrative took an unexpected turn for Winters when she received the offer to join the cast for its second season. Her professional obligation, coupled with a renewed sense of connection to the project, prompted her to dive in. “And then when I booked it I was like okay, I gotta watch all of them, so I binge watched it all.” This shift from initial avoidance to a committed binge-watching session highlights her professionalism and her ultimate appreciation for the show’s quality. She had, after all, already familiarized herself with the source material, having read the book and the original script during her audition process.
Despite the initial sting of disappointment, Anne expressed profound admiration for the series. “But I had read the book already and I read the script obviously from when I first auditioned for it, and yeah it’s an amazing concept, amazing script, amazing writers! I knew it was gonna be an amazing show, and obviously it’s doing so well.” This statement reflects an actor’s ability to separate personal disappointment from professional appreciation, recognizing the exceptional storytelling and production quality of a project, even one they didn’t initially lead. Her eventual return to the world of Liberty High, albeit in a different role, offered a full-circle moment, turning a near-miss into a significant part of her career trajectory.
Stepping into a New Light: Anne Winters as Chloe in Season 2
While the first season of 13 Reasons Why focused intensely on Hannah Baker’s perspective and the tapes she left behind, the second season expanded its narrative scope, introducing new characters who further complicated the already intricate web of relationships and secrets at Liberty High. Among these new faces was Chloe, portrayed by Anne Winters, a character who quickly became integral to the unfolding drama.
Anne Winters couldn’t share many specifics about Chloe before the season’s premiere, but her hints were enough to pique interest and suggest a substantial role. She revealed that her character would be “pretty in the middle of the drama this whole season.” This suggests Chloe isn’t a peripheral figure but rather someone whose actions and experiences directly influence the core conflicts and character developments of Season 2. In a show known for its intense emotional stakes and intricate plotlines, being “in the middle of the drama” implies a character with significant narrative weight and impact.
Even more intriguingly, Anne hinted at a significant evolution for Chloe: “I’m curious to see what people’s view of her is like because I think it might change from the beginning to the season towards the end. She kind of goes through a big arc. So I’m excited to see the reaction to her.” A character undergoing a “big arc” often means they face profound challenges, make difficult choices, and experience significant personal growth or transformation throughout the season. For Chloe, this suggested that she would not be a static character, but rather one whose initial presentation might belie a deeper, more complex personality that unfolds over time. Audience perception changing from beginning to end is a hallmark of well-written, multi-dimensional characters, and it immediately signaled that Chloe would be more than just a supporting player; she would be a character worth investing in.
Chloe’s introduction allowed the series to explore new facets of high school dynamics, privilege, and accountability, particularly as the aftermath of Hannah’s death continued to reverberate through the community. Her involvement in the central drama likely connected her to key existing characters, offering fresh perspectives and potentially new layers of conflict or alliance. Anne Winters’ performance brought nuance to Chloe, embodying the character’s journey through difficult situations and moral ambiguities, ultimately contributing to the season’s broader themes of justice, healing, and the complex nature of truth. Her casting in this pivotal new role demonstrated a resilience and versatility that allowed her to return to the show’s world, not as a replacement for Hannah, but as a compelling new voice in the ongoing story.
The Enduring Impact of ’13 Reasons Why’: Beyond Hannah’s Story
13 Reasons Why transcended its initial premise to become a cultural phenomenon, sparking vital, and at times controversial, conversations about mental health, sexual assault, bullying, and the ripple effects of trauma. The first season laid a heavy foundation, presenting Hannah Baker’s tapes as a stark and unflinching look at the circumstances that led to her suicide. The series was praised for its brave approach to sensitive subjects, encouraging dialogue among teenagers, parents, and educators about these critical issues.
With the second season, the show aimed to delve deeper into the aftermath of Hannah’s death, exploring the arduous journey towards healing and justice for those she left behind. It shifted focus from Hannah’s voice to the perspectives of the other characters, providing their testimonies in court and showcasing how they grappled with grief, guilt, and the weight of secrets. This evolution allowed the series to address the complexities of recovery, the challenges of accountability, and the ongoing struggle for truth in a world grappling with immense pain. The introduction of characters like Chloe was instrumental in expanding this narrative, bringing fresh dynamics and new layers to the ongoing investigation and the personal struggles of Liberty High’s students.
The anticipation for Season 2 was immense, with viewers eager to see how the show would continue its powerful storytelling without relying solely on Hannah’s direct narrative. Questions loomed about the legal repercussions for those implicated in Hannah’s tapes, the emotional toll on her parents, and the potential for redemption or further descent for characters like Clay Jensen and Bryce Walker. 13 Reasons Why ultimately solidified its place as a show willing to tackle uncomfortable truths, prompting global discussions and encouraging greater awareness around the importance of empathy, intervention, and support systems for young people. Its ability to continuously spark such widespread and passionate dialogue is a testament to its compelling narrative and its willingness to confront difficult subject matter head-on.
Beyond Liberty High: Anne Winters’ Diverse Projects and Rising Star Status
Even as fans eagerly awaited the second season of 13 Reasons Why and Anne Winters’ debut as Chloe, the talented actress was busy making waves in other projects, showcasing her versatility and range. One such project was the darkly comedic thriller Mom and Dad, which hit theaters, VOD, and Digital HD on January 19.
In Mom and Dad, Anne Winters had the opportunity to star alongside seasoned Hollywood veterans Selma Blair and Nicolas Cage. The film, directed by Brian Taylor, presents a chilling and often absurd premise: a mysterious mass hysteria causes parents to turn violently on their own children. Winters’ role in such a unique and intense film offered a stark contrast to the dramatic and often somber tone of 13 Reasons Why, allowing her to explore a different genre and demonstrate her ability to adapt to diverse storytelling styles. Working with celebrated actors like Blair and Cage also provided invaluable experience, further cementing her position as an emerging talent to watch in the industry.
Her involvement in projects like Mom and Dad, coupled with her significant role in 13 Reasons Why, underscored Anne Winters’ rising star status. It highlighted her commitment to taking on challenging and varied roles, from intense television dramas dealing with profound social issues to satirical thrillers that push boundaries. This diverse portfolio not only expands her acting repertoire but also signals a promising career trajectory, establishing her as an actress capable of captivating audiences across multiple genres and platforms. As she continues to take on roles that demand depth and nuance, Anne Winters is steadily building a reputation as a dynamic and compelling performer, solidifying her place in the competitive landscape of modern entertainment.
Tell us, dear readers — What are your thoughts on Anne Winters almost being cast as Hannah Baker in 13 Reasons Why? Did you enjoy her performance as Chloe in the second season? Share your opinions in the comments below!