Kristen Schaal Replaces Mandy Moore in Upcoming 'Pulling'

Mandy Moore, the 90s teen pop idol, was the first person cast for ABC’s upcoming comedy pilot “Pulling”. She was slated to play Louise, an optimistic woman desperate to get hitched.

However, as the producers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (from “Bad Teacher” fame) cast the other leads and began to develop the character of Louise some more, Mandy Moore realized she no longer fit the part.

“Many things change quickly as a pilot moves into production”, she said. “And in this case, Lee [Eisenberg] and Gene [Stupnitsky] moved the character in a different direction. It was clear this wasn’t right for me.” She adds, “rather than jeopardize the show, I asked to step aside.”

But fret not, folks, comedic genius Kristen Schaal has stepped in to fill the role. You might recognize Kristen Schaal from her voice work on “Bob’s Burgers” and “Toy Story 3”, or her appearances on “30 Rock” and even “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”.

“Pulling” (based on the British series from 2006) revolves around three dysfunctional 30-something females – Donna (June Diane Raphael), Karen (Jenny Slate), and Louise (Kristen Schaal) – as they live their lives the way they want and not how society dictates, despite the fact they should have their lives in order.

With the exit of Mandy Moore, this makes the three leads of the show all comedians, actresses, and writers. A bold step to cast comedians in a comedy show, ABC.

Keep your eyes peeled for “Pulling”, likely to debut this next pilot season on ABC.