'Boy Meets World' spinoff finds its 'Girl'

(CNN) -- The Disney Channel has found the right "Girl" for the job. Rowan Blanchard, 11, has been cast as Riley Matthews, the daughter of Cory and Topanga, on the "Boy Meets World" spinoff "Girl Meets World."

As previously reported, Blanchard's character will be the star of the show, much in the same way Cory Matthews was the star of the original beloved '90s sitcom.

Producer Michael Jacobs told Entertainment Weekly that Blanchard, who has appeared in "The Back-Up Plan" and "Spy Kids: All The Time in the World 4D," was a clear pick during the nationwide hunt for talent.

"As soon as Rowan walked into the room, I was reminded of why Ben Savage was loved as Cory Matthews," he said. "Rowan is real and accessible, and I am hopeful this girl is about to meet a world that will love growing up with her as well."

According to Entertainment Weekly, a pilot for the spinoff comedy will begin production next month. If it made it to series, it would be part of the Disney Channel's 2013-2014 schedule.

Both Danielle Fishel, who portrayed Topanga on the original series, and Ben Savage, who portrayed Cory, are on board to return. But Rider Strong, who played Cory's best friend, Shawn Hunter, has said that he doesn't have "any official involvement" with the show.

"There might be a chance to see some of the 'BMW' cast in a guest spot, and I think it would be nice to find out where our characters have been all these years," Strong said in November. "But 'Girl Meets World' will be, and I think it should be, it's own show. It will be about Cory and Topanga, their daughter, and a new set of characters."