When it comes to shows that had a long-lasting impact on an entire generation, Lizzie McGuire is right up there. The Disney show about the life of a 13-year-old girl in junior high won over fans for its heartfelt content, funny moments, and fashion inspo.
It made a star out of Hilary Duff, who played the titular role of Lizzie and looks back fondly on the making of the show, and stuck with millions of millennials as they grew up.
Although they’re still in love with Lizzie McGuire, many fans still have a lot of unanswered questions about things that may have gone down behind the scenes, from whether Hilary Duff was underpaid to what happened Lalaine.
The young star who played Lizzie’s best friend Miranda was noticeably absent from The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and fans still want to know why. Keep reading to find out what really went on behind the scenes.
Lalaine’s Role In ‘Lizzie McGuire’
Fans of the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire could never forget the importance of Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez. One-third of the Lizzie-Gordo-Miranda trio, Miranda was often Lizzie’s sounding board and biggest support. Although the two got in arguments occasionally, their friendship was real.
Fans of the show were mildly devastated when Miranda, portrayed by Lalaine, was noticeably absent in several episodes of the second series, including the finale episode Bye Bye Hillridge Junior High.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
In 2003, The Lizzie McGuire premiered, much to the delight of fans of the TV series that was coming to an end. In the film, Lizzie, Gordo, Ethan, Kate, and other kids in the graduating class travel to Rome on a school trip with Miss Ungermeyer, their future high school principal.
While in Rome, Lizzie gets mistaken by an Italian pop star for his singing partner, Isabella. He then lures her into taking the place of his singing partner once he finds out her true identity, charming her into falling for him along the way.
Strangely, Miranda is completely absent from the film. Rather than joining her graduating class, she decides to take a trip to Mexico City to visit her relatives.
But considering how big Miranda’s part was in the show, fans know that this excuse was written into the plot to cover up the fact that Lalaine was not available for filming.
Where Was Lalaine?
According to Screen Rant, Lalaine missed out on several episodes of the last season, as well as the movie, because she had left the show to pursue her music career. She was doing tours with Radio Disney and, in 2003, released her debut album ‘Inside Story.’
The actress and singer wrote six songs on the album and traveled around Southern California and Hawaii in support of it.
Later in 2005, Lalaine appeared on the last episode of the TV show All That. She also featured on the albums ‘Disneymania 3’ and ‘Disneyremixmania’ with her single ‘I’m Not Your Girl’ and a cover of the classic Disney song ‘Cruella DeVil.'
What Happened To Lalaine After ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Ended
While Lalaine saw success in her music career after leaving the show, she also went through a troubled time. In 2007, she was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine.
Luckily, Lalaine was able to enter a drug treatment program and regain control of her life. The charge was expunged and Lalaine then stepped out of the spotlight for the most part.
She did appear in a few small acting roles over the years, including as the Gossipy Girl in Easy A in 2010. In 2020, she also had a role in the comedy-drama film Definition Please.
Lalaine Appeared In The 2020 ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Virtual Reunion
In 2020, fans were over the moon to see Lalaine appearing in the virtual Lizzie McGuire reunion that took place. The cast of the show got together via video link to conduct a table read of one of the most famous episodes of the show: I Want a Bra.
Lalaine joined the rest of her former co-stars virtually, including Hilary Duff and Adam Lambert, and read her Miranda lines again. Fans who were going through a hard time due to the COVID-19 pandemic were comforted by the nostalgia of it as they tuned in.
Was Lalaine Going To Appear In The ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Reboot?
Despite the successful virtual reunion of 2020, Lizzie McGuire fans received some bad news at the end of the year: the highly anticipated Lizzie McGuire reboot would not be going ahead. Hilary Duff and Adam Lambert were confirmed for the show, and fans were wondering if Lalaine had signed on too, before the reboot was canceled.
Unfortunately, Hilary Duff has not confirmed whether Lalaine was going to appear in the reboot. Judging by her appearance in the virtual reunion, it was a strong possibility!
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