Anne of Green Gables (1985 film) resistant to cast an American as a Canadian icon. Schuyler Grant ended up playing Anne's best friend, Diana, and Anne Shirley was ultimately played by Megan Follows. In her first audition, Megan Follows came highly recommended. But, she was quickly dismissed by Kevin Sullivan. For her second audition, after a turbulent morning leading up to her audition, a frantic Megan made a much better impression and was given the role. "Anne of Green Gables" is the first film in a series of four based on the titular character. In 1987, the film's sequel, "Anne of Avonlea", was released. (It was
Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning that was seen as low compared to Sullivan's earlier "Anne" productions. The film was not well received by critics or fans. "The Globe and Mail"'s Kate Taylor said the film, "never justifies its presumption in inventing a new creation story for a Canadian literary icon." Bill Brioux felt that "maybe Anne just doesn't age all that well. Maybe she is supposed to stay in freckles and pigtails, locked in that perfect P.E.I. prism Montgomery authored and Sullivan so artfully adapted when they both were in their 20s." Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning Anne of Green Gables: A New