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 (1985 film) subsequently retitled "Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel" on home video.) The final movie, "", was aired on March 5, 2000 in Canada and on July 23, 2000 in the United States. The final film passed over "Anne's House of Dreams" – the corresponding Anne novel – in favor of a plot not featured in Montgomery's series, and did not receive the same critical praise as the first two films. In 2008, the fourth in the series, titled "" was completed. The film stars Barbara Hershey, Shirley MacLaine, and Rachel Blanchard and it introduces Hannah Endicott Douglas as the new