The role of Hannah Montana was ultimately played by Miley Cyrus, but other actresses were seriously considered for it. Reported finalists included Taylor Momsen and Daniella Monet, and some accounts say Aly Michalka was also offered an early version of the part before Cyrus won the role.

Casting context

The character was originally being developed under the name “Chloe” before the production settled on the Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana concept. Casting reports say more than 1,200 girls were considered before the final network test.

Names that came up

  • Miley Cyrus: the actress who got the part.
  • Taylor Momsen: one of the final contenders.
  • Daniella Monet: also among the final contenders.
  • Aly Michalka: later said the role had originally been offered to her sister, Aly, in an earlier version of the casting process.

Why people still ask

The question keeps resurfacing because the casting story has had a few versions over the years, including rumors about Belinda and other names that were later disputed by the casting director. The widely accepted answer, though, is that Miley Cyrus was the one who was supposed to be Hannah Montana in the final show.

TL;DR

Miley Cyrus was cast as Hannah Montana, but Taylor Momsen and Daniella Monet were among the closest runners-up.