View the Gallery / 16 Photos »

The much-discussed Gossip Girl spinoff pilot is set to air May 11, as an episode of the series, and will be starring American Dreams star Brittany Snow.

The new series will focus on the exploits of Serena van der Woodsen’s mother Lily. According to Star magazine, the lead role was offered to Snow early this month and the 22-year-old actress is “thrilled.” A source revealed, “She loves the original show and thinks the 1980′s concept sets the spin-off apart from other series on television.”

This seems pretty brilliant casting. And on a total side note, I once sat in a makeup chair next to Brittany when I was an extra on American Dreams. I eavesdropped the entire time she told her makeup artist of how she completely lost her shit on set once when someone made the mistake of putting black mascara on her WHEN CLEARLY SHE CAN ONLY WEAR BROWN.

Gallery Info: Brittany Snow wearing Marchesa at Heart Truth Fashion Show.