Ben Savage and Rowan Blanchard talk Girl Meets World
By Marriska Fernandes on August 21, 2014 | 4 Comments
If you grew up in the ’90s, then you’d remember Boy Meets World, which starred Ben Savage as the young Cory Matthews. Now, 14 years after the show bid farewell, Girl Meets World kicks in. Ben and Topanga are married and the focus of the show is their daughter Riley, played by the adorable Rowan Blanchard.
We caught up with Ben and Rowan who were more than happy to give us a scoop on what it’s like to play father and daughter.
Ben, what was it like to return to the show after 14 years?
It was exciting and it was a little nerve-wracking. It was a little nerve-wracking because I was unsure how I was going to play this character 14 years older. People remember this character, Cory Matthews, very fondly as one way — sort of as this funny, quirky, neurotic guy. I was a little apprehensive about how I was going to play him now, 14 years later as a dad with two kids. I think after a few episodes or maybe after a couple of days, things sort of naturally fell into place. It’s like riding a bike. It was an easier process than I thought it would be. So far, it’s been a lot of fun.
Did you have any challenges with the role in a completely new setting?
I was a little apprehensive about how to play the character. I’ve really enjoyed playing the character from a different perspective — from the older perspective, from being a dad and being a teacher.
Rowan, did you watch the show Boy Meets World before you began this series?
I had seen one or two episodes along with Full House and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. When I got the role, I went back and watched every single episode.
What was it like taking on the role of the iconic couple’s daughter?
Getting to play the iconic character’s child was very cool. Getting to work with them every week was very cool. I was very excited about this project because even the episodes I’d seen of Boy Meets World, I saw that overall they valued real life lessons and yet I was still laughing. So, I knew that hopefully this project would be similar to that. There hadn’t really been something that was like that for my age group. The thought that we’re doing that again is very exciting.
Rowan, did you face any challenges while making the new series?
Sure. It can be hard coming into a new role and I think some of the episodes required me to step out of my comfort zone. As an actor, it’s been challenging but it’s also been beneficial.
Ben, how much of a say did you have in the casting of Rowan?
That depends who you ask (laughs). We were there for the casting. We met with a lot of girls. When Rowan came into the room, I felt that she was the perfect embodiment of Cory and Topanga and I thought that she would represent that character very well. We were excited she was there.
Ben, did you have déjà vu moments during the making of the series?
I have déjà vu moments 25 times a day. We’re working with the same writers and producers and crew members and obviously cast members from the original series. There’s a lot of times I’ll be in the middle of a scene and I’ll look up and feel like it’s 1996 again. It’s really, you have all these sorts of flashbacks. I think that’s what makes this show so special, that’s what’s made this show such fun for all of us.
How has the show adapted for the new generation?
I think it’s a difficult time for kids now, far more difficult than it was for kids 20 years ago when we were doing the show. The world has gotten so much more complicated and changed so much because of technology, social media and cell phones. It’s very hard to be a kid now. It’s a lot less carefree and innocent. We are definitely writing stories and episodes that deal with those issues and address those issues. I think that was one of the reasons we were so excited to do this show again. It was an opportunity to tell some new stories.
Ben, what’s the mood like on set with the new and old cast combined together?
The mood’s fun! We’re always seeking to create a fun, lively atmosphere on set. I certainly am because I think that translates well in the show. I think that comes across in the episodes that these characters are having fun and enjoying each other’s company.
Do you each have a favorite episode?
Rowan: I have a top three. One of my favorites is Girl Meets Home For the Holidays, which is our kind of reunion episode. I think the reason I love that episode so much is because I think it set so many character relationships up that maybe you’ve not expected. We have Al and Amy come back and Rider, who plays Shawn, is in the later seasons of Boy Meets World. Some fans will remember Joshua who was Cory’s little brother, who’s all grown up. That’s definitely one of my favorites.
Ben: My favorite episode? That’s a hard question. I think I enjoy certain parts of every episode. I’m enjoying being the teacher and I’m enjoying the classroom scenes. So any episode which has a classroom scene…
Rowan: Which is almost every episode! (laughs)
Ben: Which is almost every episode (laughs), where I’m teaching, I’m really enjoying. It’s a new aspect for Cory Matthews and I think he’s getting pretty good at it.
Has the role as a dad given you a few tips on parenting, Ben?
It has, on and off the set. I’m a dad on the show and I have two kids on the show. I’m learning everyday what it’s like to be a dad in real life. On top of that, I’m working with all young people. I’m definitely getting a lot of good pointers and tips for what it’s like to be a dad. Hopefully when I’m a dad, I’ll be ready.
Rowan, which guest star celeb would you like to guest star on the show?
There’s Selena Gomez and Hilary Duff, I love them both.
Girl Meets World airs Fridays on Family Channel. ~ Marriska Fernandes
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I think Shawn will have feelings for Maya’s mom, there is a great story development there for the character to grow and for Shawn to have an involvement in the girl’s life to say how he and Cory grew up. I believe the love interest will be switched and he will end up with Maya. That girl makes the show, not so much Rowan. Every night I still watch BMW on ABC Spark. The acting, story-telling.. don’t understand how children today cannot grasp emotions like we did 15-20 years ago. Are they that void of human connection that devices of technology have rendered them incapable of feeling anything?
‘Family Channel’ no Disney Channel. And I can’t wait for more episode of Girl Meets World. September 12 for more episode their only showing 6 episodes every Friday, than we probably have to wait until December for the 13 episode because that’s the Christmas episode Girl Meets Home for the Holidays.
Maverick
i agree with you but i don’t know how Maya’s feel that her mom is developing a crush on Shawn she might get upset at her mom because her mother might not want to see her husband anymore and she think that shawn could be a better father to Maya
Rider is only on 2 episodes and i think he said he doesn’t want to be involved in this sequel we still dont know anything about shawn at all
I am longer watching your GMW show anymore but I am done watching GMW count me out I am only watching BMW from now on tell the cast and crew that I am not watching your sequel anymore for all of those 14 years on watching boy meets world BMW the biggest hit on abc family and tons of fans and viewers are remain to watch BMW then Girl Meets World because BMW prove to us that Family and friends are the most important in the world and will cherish that forever otherwise girl meets world isn’t proving us anything right now and that is why the Matthews family Topanga Corey their kids and others left shawn behind and what did they do to shawn was abandoning him hurt shawn and rider so much and that driven him away from the group
I love ben savage I saw almost every episode o’s boy meets world and Ben is so cute I LOVE BEN SAVAGE