Leighton Meester Has Read Parts of New“ Gossip Girl” Novel: ‘I Think It’s Cool’

A new standalone novel featuring the beloved character Blair Waldorf from the iconic “Gossip Girl” series is set to be released in 2027. The book, authored by Cecily von Ziegesar, will delve into Blair’s life two decades after the conclusion of the original series, bringing fans back to the glamorous and tumultuous world of New York City’s Upper East Side.

Leighton Meester, who famously portrayed Blair Waldorf in the CW television adaptation, recently spoke about this forthcoming novel during an interview with ScreenRant. The actress, promoting her latest film “Basic,” shared that she has had the opportunity to read portions of an early copy of the novel. “I think it’s cool. I did read some of it,” Meester remarked, showing her approval of von Ziegesar’s work.

The original “Gossip Girl” series was first published in 2002 and consists of a collection of novels that detail the lives, loves, and secrets of a group of affluent teenagers navigating their way through adolescence. The stories are narrated by an anonymous blogger, known as Gossip Girl, who exposes their hidden truths. This unique narrative style captivated readers and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

In February 2026, Deadline reported the announcement of this new title, “Blair,” which will focus on the character’s journey as she returns to New York in a bid to reclaim her status among the elite. According to the book’s synopsis, the novel will explore Blair’s determined efforts to ascend the social ladder once again, promising an engaging narrative that reflects the character’s complexity.

Meester indicated that she has already read about the first seven chapters of “Blair,” describing the experience as insightful. “They sent it to me in advance just so I could, I don’t know, see what’s going on,” she explained. Fans of “Gossip Girl” will be eager to discover how Blair has evolved over the years and what new challenges she will face in a modern context.

Set to be published during the summer of 2027 by Grand Central Publishing, “Blair” adds another chapter to the legacy of von Ziegesar’s original work, which has sold over six million copies and maintained a steadfast presence on the New York Times Best Seller List for more than 100 weeks. The original series consists of eleven novels, alongside a prequel titled “It Had to Be You,” both of which have left a lasting impact on popular culture.

The television adaptation of “Gossip Girl” aired from 2007 to 2012 and boasted a remarkable ensemble cast, including stars like Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, Taylor Momsen, Chace Crawford, and Michelle Trachtenberg. Following the success of the original series, a reboot premiered on HBO in 2021 and concluded in 2023. While Meester had previously hinted at the possibility of reprising her role in the revival, she ultimately did not participate in the new project.

Reflecting on the reboot, Meester expressed her support for the new generation of actors who took on the roles of the iconic Upper East Side characters. “I’m happy for them. I feel like they’re doing a whole new thing,” she commented. The actress noted that while she felt no urgency to return to the role, she appreciates the efforts of the contemporary cast. “I will say… I feel really good sort of sitting back and leaving it to the kids,” she stated, indicating her acceptance of the evolving nature of the franchise.

As anticipation grows for the release of “Blair,” fans of the series can look forward to reconnecting with the character that defined a generation of young adults navigating their own complicated social landscapes. With Leighton Meester’s endorsement and Cecily von Ziegesar’s keen storytelling, this new novel promises to be a compelling addition to the cherished “Gossip Girl” saga.