Welcome to the weekend! Today, Daysia's talking about all the alternate Hannah Montanas, and Hannah's puzzled by all of the Don't Worry Darling drama. Plus, there are plenty of buzzy profiles and pop culture news for you to read this weekend. Happy reading!

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Daysia and Hannah

This Week's Fixations

Daysia: Casting director Lisa London shared the shortlist of actors that were almost Hannah Montana, and it really gave us a glimpse into an alternate reality! The actors? Miley Cyrus (of course), Taylor Momsen (well-known near-casting, but edgy!), and Daniella Monet (HARD to imagine).

It’s hard to think about the what-ifs, especially since the roles all of the actors took since Hannah Montana came out have really shaped how we view them. I think that Miley Cyrus was always destined for this role. Her country roots and natural musical talent were primed for the character. She has such an intangible star quality and persona fit for a teen rockstar! They even changed the name of the titular character, Chloe, to be hers, making Miley Cyrus nearly inextricable from Miley Stewart. Ultimately, she was born to play this part!

Taylor Momsen also has the rockstar quality to her, albeit a grittier one, and she can sing (see: The Pretty Reckless). She could’ve been really cool in a role like this if it wasn’t a Disney Channel show. Maybe a CW version of this concept? Or a Freeform (formerly known as ABC Family) one?

Daniella Monet, on the other hand, is best known for playing a character with NO musical talent. I think she would’ve been good in the Chloe (Miley) Stewart role, since she has played a mischievous teen role really well. But I cannot imagine her delivering the iconic Hannah Montana songs from that show, even though she was on Victorious which had some equally iconic tunes. They just weren’t HER tracks, which probably solidifies the idea that she isn’t the strongest singer IRL either, especially compared to Miley Cyrus.

Finally, Aly and AJ Michalka said they were initially offered the show—to play Chloe (Miley) Stewart and BFF Lilly Truscott, respectively—but declined. Aly said that it would’ve been confusing for their brand, since she’d be playing a solo artist while also performing IRL as a duo. And that’s such a fair point! Miley Cyrus famously had difficulty separating herself from the Hannah Montana character, resulting in the Bangerz era (🙏🏻). I can imagine that it would be really hard for Aly and AJ’s brand outside of the show. I also feel like having Aly and AJ play best friends, not sisters, wouldn’t feel right either. So again, it was probably for the best!

Hannah: All I can say this week is everything I learned about the Don't Worry Darling drama has been against my will. I had a whole thing planned to break it down, but it's just too much and I'm overwhelmed. When Shia LaBeouf enters the chat, I'm out.

I think Florence is smart only doing one press appearance for this film and removing herself from the narrative.

Has Lorde Dropped a New Album?

Lorde is headlining the WonderBus Arts and Music Festival today!

ICYMI: Rina Sawayama released a new single from Hold the Girl, the forlorn pop song “Phantom.”

Too Many Tabs

Writer Ilana Kaplan spoke to Demi Lovato about getting back to “Rockvato,” their dream collaboration (Paramore), HOLY FVCK, authenticity, and more for Alt Press.

Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos interviewed Harry Styles about sexuality, his growing fanbase, his upcoming movies Don’t Worry Darling (which he’s already getting roasted for) and My Policeman (which he’s received a lot of criticism for), and his “victory lap” tour.

Variety’s Elizabeth Wagmeister talked to Olivia Wilde about all the drama surrounding her recently—from Don’t Worry Darling rumors to Jason Sudeikis serving her custody papers.

What makes A24, an independent film studio, *A24*—Nate Jones investigates the secret sauce of the studio responsible for Moonlight, Midsommar, Everything, Everywhere All at Once, and more. (Bonus reading: he also ranks every A24 film!)

Plus… Usher is the King of R&B!, abcdefGAYLE, perfect pictures of Nicole Kidman, Carly Rae Jepsen’s future, John C. Reilly and his hot son, Avril’s getting a Hollywood star!, RM of BTS is a champion of art, The Resort is a trip, and Nick Cannon is on baby #10… or #9, according to some sources?