Fans of the beloved series Lizzie McGuire were excited at the prospect of a revival featuring Hilary Duff, but those hopes were dashed when Disney+ canceled the project. The cancellation stemmed from a clash between the streaming platform’s desire for a more child-friendly tone and the creative team’s vision for the show. In a recent interview, Duff shared her thoughts on what might have happened between her character Lizzie and her longtime friend David “Gordo” Gordon following the events of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, leaving fans to ponder the future of these iconic characters.
During her appearance on the podcast Therapuss with Jake Shane, Duff reflected on the dynamic between Lizzie and Gordo. She expressed skepticism about their relationship progressing beyond friendship. “I don’t think they had a thing post,” she stated. “I think they had maybe an almost-thing post.” Her perspective resonated with many who have grown to appreciate the complexities of friendships as they mature.
In the final season of the original series, Gordo’s feelings for Lizzie became increasingly evident, culminating in a significant moment when Lizzie kissed him in the movie. This left viewers questioning whether their relationship would evolve into something more. Duff’s remarks suggest a more nuanced outcome where the pair might have attempted to date but ultimately recognized their strengths as friends.
In light of the canceled reboot, Duff noted that the timing might be ideal for a revival. She expressed a desire to see platonic friendships explored more thoroughly in storytelling, suggesting that the trope of best friends falling in love has become somewhat overused. “I could see them realizing they’re better off being friends,” she added, highlighting a shift in her perspective since her childhood days as a fan of the show.
The conversation also touched on Lizzie’s romantic future beyond Gordo. Duff speculated that her character might have developed a relationship with another notable character, Ethan Craft. “In my mind, I like to think she had a thing with Ethan Craft, finally,” she commented. While Ethan was portrayed as the quintessential popular boy, Duff acknowledged that he might not have been the ideal match for Lizzie long-term.
Ethan’s character, while charming, often lacked depth, which raises questions about compatibility. Duff reflected on their past interactions, noting Lizzie’s attempts to fit into Ethan’s social circle, leading viewers to wonder if they would have found common ground as adults. She concluded that Ethan may ultimately be better suited for another character, Kate Sanders, who could complement his personality more effectively.
Despite the cancellation of the revival, Duff remains open to the possibility of returning to the franchise. She hopes that if a new project emerges, it will maintain the essence of Lizzie and Gordo’s enduring friendship, as she believes this perspective aligns with a more mature view of relationships.
As fans continue to stream the original series and its accompanying film on Disney+, the future of Lizzie McGuire remains a topic of passionate discussion. While Duff’s insights provide a glimpse into what could have been, they also encourage a broader conversation about the evolution of characters over time. Whether or not Lizzie and Gordo’s story continues, their impact on popular culture is undeniable.
