Glee Reboot Casting Remains Unsettled as Chris Colfer Reveals Conversations About Returning to Series
Reboot moves forward
Ryan Murphy said social media’s renewed interest in Glee helped inspire thoughts of a reboot. On October 21, Disney+ and Hulu ordered the series, 17 years after the original premiered and 11 years after its final episode.
Murphy previously said he, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan had written a script. The trio wrote the first two seasons, he told Entertainment Tonight in September.
Colfer weighs a return
Colfer said revisiting Glee would be difficult, particularly after the deaths of Monteith in 2013 and Rivera in 2020. He also said the loss of those two people would not necessarily outweigh the chance to be with other castmates he loves.
In an interview with Bustle earlier this month, Colfer called the show tough to make and said Rivera’s absence would make a return hard. He added that fans might be angry if he declined.
Casting remains uncertain
Variety reported that Lea Michele would join the reboot, citing one source who said, “She’s in.” A second source said the project was still in its early stages and expressed enthusiasm about reuniting the cast. Murphy and Michele did not comment.
Murphy has not confirmed any returning cast members. Deadline reported on October 23 that Morris and Overstreet were in talks to join the series. Overstreet and Kevin McHale had also posted or responded to messages hinting at a return.
Cast members differ on return
Not all former cast members have expressed interest. In May 2025, Amber Riley said she was not interested in returning during an appearance on Monét X Change’s Monét Talks podcast.
Morris said in a 2024 interview that she would join a reboot, while Jenna Ushkowitz said in 2022 she would be open to one if the right team brought it together. Colfer has said there is a lot to consider, and casting plans remain unconfirmed.
Key points
- Disney+ and Hulu ordered a Glee reboot 11 years after the original series ended.
- Chris Colfer has discussed returning, while noting the losses of Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera.
- Ryan Murphy has not confirmed any returning cast members.
- Reports say Lea Michele may join, while Heather Morris and Chord Overstreet are in talks.