Michael Jacobs talks ‘Girl Meets World,’ return of ‘Boy Meets World’ cast

It’s almost the news fans of “Boy Meets World” have been hoping for when it comes to the “Girl Meets World” spinoff. In an interview published Jan. 30 by The Hollywood Reporter, “Boy Meets World” series creator Michael Jacobs revealed a bit about Cory and Topanga’s role in new show and discussed the possible involvement of other original series regulars.

Jacobs will produce “Girl” and oversee its pilot, which soon goes into production now that Disney Channel has announced Rowan Blanchard has been cast in the leading teen role of Riley Matthews, Cory and Topanga’s 13-year-old daughter.

In talking with THR, Jacobs covers a variety of topics: his interest in making “Girl,” the casting of Blanchard, the show’s focus and tone, and the Disney Channel audience. Jacobs also discusses Cory and Topanga’s roles in the show, are already in for “Girl,” again playing Cory and Topanga. Jacobs tells THR:

“'Boy Meets World' was always an ensemble. There is pretty much equal interest about who you would naturally term “supporting characters.” Ben and Danielle would be the first to say that “Boy” was always an ensemble that Ben was in the middle of with all of the stories spun out from him. Will Cory and Topanga be supporting characters? All of the characters will have their feature stories and will be paid close attention to, so hopefully the audience will love the characters the way they loved the characters on 'Boy.'You’re going to be seeing a lot of Riley Matthews because she’s the point of view of this show, but what influences her are all of the characters in her life. You are going to see very equal attention paid to Cory and Topanga and all of the other supporting cast as you would naturally term it."

Most revealing for fans of “Boy Meets World, though, are Jacobs comments to THR about the possibility of other series regulars being involved with the new show.

"[At the time] it was an idea that Gary Marsh, Adam Bonnett, Corey Marsh and the Disney Channel people called me up asking if I would be interested in doing this. It just got an official green light for pilot. I didn’t want to talk to everybody about something that was only a discussion. Then the world reacted and I got a bajillion phone calls. Rider [Strong] and Will Friedle and all of the cast said, “What is this? We thought we were done!” We sat down with them and talked about what their roles on the show might be. Whoever wants to be part of this show will be and whoever wants to move on will. The most important thing is to see what the show is and then see what their part in it will be. Will Friedle said, “I will be at every taping.” Everybody is quite attached to it. The bottom line is: Will Rider or Will be a cast member? Will they put in appearances? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see."

Although he talks generally about the entire cast, it’s worth noting that Jacbos specifically mentions Will Friedle and Rider Strong. In “Boy” Friedle played Eric Matthews, Corey’s brother, and Strong played Shawn Hunter, Cory’s best friend.

Do his comments suggest the strong possibility that the two will return to the show? It’s uncertain, although fans have expressed their desire to see what happens to those two characters and to see them appear on “Girl.”

What’s more, Friedle and Strong have both been involved in the social media campaign to generate interest in the Disney Channel show, often in association with Savage and Fishel. Since the announcement of “Girl,” for instance, Strong has posted his own thoughts about Shawn’s future both on and off the show.

Savage and Fishel have tweeted about social occasions or in support of Friedle and Strong or referenced them in their tweets. Friedle even posted on Fishel’s Twitter account in December, saying he will not have a Twitter account. This public dialogue, often directed at fans, raises the teasing possibility that Eric and Shawn will appear on “Girl.”

While Jacob’s comments can’t be taken as a promise that Friedle and Strong will show up on “Girl Meets World,” they certainly acknowledge he – and the Disney Channel – are aware “Boy Meets World” fans are already watching for any developments. Closely.

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