Eric van der Woodsen was originally meant to be Gossip Girl.
The identity of the anonymous blogger who chronicled the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite teenagers was a central mystery throughout the Gossip Girl series. While the final revelation named Dan Humphrey as the person behind the gossip, the show's creators initially had a different character in mind for this pivotal role.
The Intended Gossip Girl: Eric van der Woodsen
Early in the development of the show's overarching mystery, Eric van der Woodsen, Serena van der Woodsen's younger brother, was reportedly the character designated to be Gossip Girl. This early concept would have placed the all-seeing, all-knowing blogger within the core social circle in a perhaps unexpected way, given Eric's often more subdued and supportive role in the early seasons.
The Change to Dan Humphrey
Ultimately, the decision was made to alter Gossip Girl's identity to Dan Humphrey. This change, implemented for the series finale, aimed to provide a surprising twist that recontextualized much of the series' events through Dan's perspective. The shift from Eric to Dan as Gossip Girl significantly impacted the show's ending and the way fans perceived Dan's character and motivations throughout all six seasons.
Original vs. Final Reveal
The difference between the original intention and the final reveal offers an interesting look into the creative process of developing a long-running mystery:
| Feature | Original Plan: Eric van der Woodsen | Final Reveal: Dan Humphrey |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship to Core Group | Insider (Serena's brother), often more of a victim or observer. | Outsider turned insider, obsessed with the Upper East Side. |
| Character Archetype | Seemingly innocent, often in need of protection. | The "lonely boy," aspiring writer, observer, and participant. |
| Potential Impact | Could have been a shocking subversion of his character, revealing a hidden darker or manipulative side. | Aimed to provide a full-circle narrative for his character, though debated among fans for consistency. |
The evolution of Gossip Girl's identity from Eric to Dan underscores the dynamic nature of television writing, where plot points can shift dramatically as a series progresses and new creative directions emerge.
