Fans of Netflix’s hit series “Ginny & Georgia” have expressed concerns over the recasting of Diesel La Torraca’s character, Austin, as he undergoes a noticeable growth spurt. However, Scott Porter, who plays a key role in the show, has urged viewers to look beyond Austin’s age and appreciate the character’s development.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the Motion Picture & Television Fund NextGen Annual Summer Party, Porter shared his insights on the situation. He stated, “The way the show has been approaching it is pretty brilliant, actually. Going into promoting season 3, it was like, let’s just embrace it. Let’s wink at the audience and say, ‘Hey, guess what? We know. All of us know.’”
The third season of “Ginny & Georgia,” which premiered on June 5, has sparked memes and discussions about the time lapse between filming seasons 2 and 3. Season 2 wrapped filming in early 2022, while production for the latest installment began two years later, following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. This significant break led to visible changes in La Torraca, who is now 14 years old and playing a second-grade character.
Concerns about La Torraca’s suitability for the role intensified as fans noticed his character Austin appeared significantly older in season 3, despite the absence of time jumps between episodes. The production team took creative measures to address this, often wrapping Austin in blankets and positioning him in ways that minimized the focus on his age.
In response to fans’ worries about whether Austin would be recast in season 4, show creator Sarah Lampert assured viewers that there are no plans to bring in a new actor. She acknowledged the need for audiences to “suspend their disbelief,” explaining that La Torraca’s real-life aging is a natural part of the show’s progression. Lampert emphasized, “We can’t recast. Diesel is Austin,” and hinted that season 4 will further embrace La Torraca’s transition into a teenager.
Porter echoed Lampert’s sentiments, praising La Torraca’s performance and the emotional connection he has fostered with the audience. He expressed, “Diesel is so fantastic — and it would be such a loss to not have him still be a part of our show. So if the audience can look past it, we can look past it.” He added that Austin’s character arc is just beginning to unfold and that he is excited to see how it develops in future seasons.
The show’s narrative has evolved significantly, with Austin now becoming more integrated into the family dynamic. Lampert remarked, “Honestly, it serves us because now he’s really a part of the family in a way that he wasn’t before. He was just a little kid. Now with everything we put him through in season 3 and having him enter season 4 as a preteen, he’s entering the chat in a way that he hasn’t before.”
Reflecting on the series’ success, Porter expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, “Our creator, Sarah, is an infinite well of stories. I’m sure we could spin this thing for an awful long time, but it’s up to the viewers and up to Netflix on whether or not we continue on. But let me just say to our viewers, thank you so much for tuning in over these first three seasons. We never expected the show to be a hit the way that it is — and it’s all because of you all. So thank you.”
As the anticipation for season 4 builds, fans can expect a deeper exploration of Austin’s character and his evolving role within the story. “Ginny & Georgia” continues to resonate with audiences, blending humor and heartfelt moments that reflect the complexities of family life.
The series is currently streaming on Netflix, and viewers are encouraged to join the conversation about Austin’s journey as they await new episodes.