Former Disney star Selena Gomez is executively producing "13 Reasons Why," an upcoming Netflix series based on the bestselling book by Jay Asher. While the songstress could have easily gotten the lead role for the project, she was content to work behind the scenes on this one instead of starring in it.

According to The New York Times, Selena Gomez was supposed to star in a movie adaptation of "13 Reasons Why." However, the former Disney star opted to sit it out and pitch the project to Netflix for a 13-episode run.

The upcoming Netflix series will debut on March 31 and stars Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker, a highschooler who kills herself. "13 Reasons Why" will depict the 13 people the character blames for suicide in a series of cassette tapes.

Prior to being an executive producer for "13 Reasons Why" for Netflix, Selena Gomez reportedly took a three-month leave. The actress explained that the coincidence of the show and her life during that time was happening similarly.

According to E! News, Selena Gomez wants "13 Reasons Why" to be "honest" and "credible."

She didn't want to attach her name to it as the lead role for the fear of backlash from the books fans. She confessed that she was passionate about the project and wanted it to be made but from behind the scenes.

Additionally, Selena Gomez confessed that she is drawn to the lead character in "13 Reasons Why." The songstress has been a subject of memes, cyber bullying and bullying in real life. It is also a feeling that was shared by the author who understood how the actress felt when the book was optioned to her when she was 15.

"13 Reasons Why" will air later this month. The project moved from a feature to a 13-episode series to be able to provide more dimension to the characters.

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