Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girl".
Image: Instagram.
Hey, Upper East Siders, the rumours are true, and this time they’re coming straight from the source.
"Gossip Girl" book series author Cecily von Ziegesar is returning to her throne to pen a brand-new standalone sequel titled "Blair".
Twenty years after the original series concluded, this offering skips the headbands and school uniforms to catch up with a 40-something Blair Waldorf.
Expect a more mature, and likely more cynical, version of our favourite socialite.
The story finds Blair returning to Manhattan after a long, mysterious absence. It seems like she’s experienced a major "fall from grace", and she’s back with one goal: clawing her way back to the top of the social food chain.
According to "Deadline", the novel will be released in 2027.
The original 13-book series defined a generation and launched the iconic TV show starring Leighton Meester and Blake Lively. While there’s no official screen adaptation yet, Alloy Entertainment the powerhouse behind "The Vampire Diaries" and "You" still holds the rights.
With the buzz already reaching a fever pitch, industry experts are predicting a massive bidding war.
Will the cast return?
The timing couldn’t be better for a reunion. Fans are already calling for Leighton Meester to reclaim the role.
Meester recently wrapped an acclaimed run as the "unhinged millennial girl boss" Alyssa in HBO’s "I Love LA", proving she still has that sharp, comedic edge required to play a grown-up Blair Waldorf.
While there is no official announcement for a screen adaptation yet, Alloy Entertainment (the company behind the original show, "The Vampire Diaries" and "You" has retained the film and television rights. Given the hype, industry experts expect a massive bidding war.
Naturally, fans are already clamouring for Meester to return to the role, as she is now the perfect age to play Blair in her 40s.
The question on everyone’s mind is, will the "core six" return to the Upper East Side? While the book announcement is fresh, the cast's past comments suggest a mix of nostalgia, professional distance, and a "never say never" attitude.