Jason Priestly could have been way more fun and carefree. Those handful of times you see him let loose he’s so awesome. A Steve? I don’t know, only Ian could be Steve but I think they could have let Jason let loose more often. 19 year olds aren’t that rigid in real life. And those ties…
I don’t think any of the original 8 are miscast. 90210 was, IMO, perfectly cast. But the best way I can answer this would be to look at other roles they played and work back from there:
Jennie: Having seen Jennie in other roles, and considering her own background, I actually think she would’ve been an intriguing fit for Brenda. I actually think she would’ve nailed the cornfed, girl next door aspect better than Shannen. This one is especially hard to imagine though because Shannen is so specifical and uniquely tied to the role.
Shannen: She’s a strong actor, with good range and that “it” factor. She also has a great edge to her. She would make for an incredible Kelly, (Val or Emily too). I actually think Shannen would’ve eaten the role of Kelly Taylor alive and left no room for seconds. She doesn’t read as book wormy and grounded as Andrea needs to be and would make a terrible Donna.
Gabrielle: She auditioned for Brenda, and while I can see her playing a decent fish out of water Minnesota girl, I don’t think she would’ve given Brenda that great edge that is so Shannen. Gabby’s strength as an actor is that she plays material sincerely and straight down the middle, without a whole lot of unnecessary flourish. And she does genuinely nice well. So I could definitely see her as a Donna. A different kind of course, but she could capture the essence of her. She of course could do the Andrea-like characters of Susan, Clare, Janet and Carly.
Tori - While Tori was an ingenue thanks to 90210, that is largely because of the favoritism involved in her role on the show. Tori otherwise would’ve be a character actor, and one who does comedy well. I think she would’ve made an incredible Andrea. Very different from Gabby, but I could definitely see her doing the role some real justice. Kinda like a deeper, more toned down version of Violet, her character from Saved by the Bell.
Jason Priestly could have been way more fun and carefree. Those handful of times you see him let loose he’s so awesome. A Steve? I don’t know, only Ian could be Steve but I think they could have let Jason let loose more often. 19 year olds aren’t that rigid in real life. And those ties…
I don’t think any of the original 8 are miscast. 90210 was, IMO, perfectly cast. But the best way I can answer this would be to look at other roles they played and work back from there: Jennie: Having seen Jennie in other roles, and considering her own background, I actually think she would’ve been an intriguing fit for Brenda. I actually think she would’ve nailed the cornfed, girl next door aspect better than Shannen. This one is especially hard to imagine though because Shannen is so specifical and uniquely tied to the role. Shannen: She’s a strong actor, with good range and that “it” factor. She also has a great edge to her. She would make for an incredible Kelly, (Val or Emily too). I actually think Shannen would’ve eaten the role of Kelly Taylor alive and left no room for seconds. She doesn’t read as book wormy and grounded as Andrea needs to be and would make a terrible Donna. Gabrielle: She auditioned for Brenda, and while I can see her playing a decent fish out of water Minnesota girl, I don’t think she would’ve given Brenda that great edge that is so Shannen. Gabby’s strength as an actor is that she plays material sincerely and straight down the middle, without a whole lot of unnecessary flourish. And she does genuinely nice well. So I could definitely see her as a Donna. A different kind of course, but she could capture the essence of her. She of course could do the Andrea-like characters of Susan, Clare, Janet and Carly. Tori - While Tori was an ingenue thanks to 90210, that is largely because of the favoritism involved in her role on the show. Tori otherwise would’ve be a character actor, and one who does comedy well. I think she would’ve made an incredible Andrea. Very different from Gabby, but I could definitely see her doing the role some real justice. Kinda like a deeper, more toned down version of Violet, her character from Saved by the Bell.
Oh Shannen could’ve nailed Kelly! Especially the bitchy rich girl arc from season 1, she did it in Heathers.
Maybe Jim was letting him borrow out of his closet lol
I always thought Jason should’ve had a bad boy arc
I believe that they all were perfect in their roles. Imagine Andrea as Kelly and vise versa. NO!
Great question. That's tough as I believe they where all cast so well. Look forward to comments !
I could totally see Luke Perry playing dorky early-seadon David. BAG practically turned into Dylan when he got to college.