Glee set for shock comeback 11 years after ending as Disney confirms revival following tragic deaths of three stars
Ryan Murphy has reunited with the original writing team and contacted around 10 former cast members about bringing the hit musical drama back to screens, with fans awaiting news of which familiar faces will return.
Glee is returning to television more than a decade after its final episode, with original creator Ryan Murphy writing the script for the hit musical drama’s comeback.
Disney has confirmed a revival of the award-winning series has been ordered for Disney+ and Hulu, 11 years after the original programme ended in 2015.
Disney confirmed the musical drama’s return in an announcement on Wednesday (21.10.26.)
The official Glee Instagram account shared a graphic announcing: “It’s official. Glee is returning.”
No original cast members have yet been formally announced for the revival, and Disney has not confirmed when filming will begin or when the new series will premiere.
Ryan, 60, who also created American Horror Story, has reunited with fellow writers Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan to develop the new project, although details about the storyline have yet to be announced.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in September, Ryan said about the possibility of the show making a comeback: “Well, funny you ask, because I just finished the script an hour ago.”
He added: “We have a script. Brad (Falchuk), Ian (Brennan) and I, who wrote all the first two seasons, have written something.”
The television producer also revealed he had already approached several stars from the original series about potentially returning.
He said: “I’ve been in touch with around 10 of the original cast members, and it’s very sweet.
“They’ve all had a lot of questions, but they all were very enthusiastic about the idea.”
The original Glee musical comedy-drama aired on Fox between 2009 and 2015, following a group of students at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, as they navigated friendships, relationships and rivalries through their school singing club, New Directions.
The programme became a global television hit, producing six seasons and winning six Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes.
Its cast included Lea Michele, 40, as ambitious singer Rachel Berry, Amber Riley, 40, as Mercedes Jones and Matthew Morrison, 47, as Spanish teacher and choir director Will Schuester.
Jane Lynch, 66, played ruthless cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, earning both Emmy and Golden Globe recognition for her performance.
Other stars included Chris Colfer, 36, as Kurt Hummel and Darren Criss, 39, as Blaine Anderson.
However, the planned revival comes after several tragedies involving members of the original cast.
Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson and was in a relationship with co-star Lea, died in July 2013 at the age of 31.
The Canadian actor was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room, with authorities determining that his death resulted from mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.
The programme subsequently paid tribute to Cory and his character in an episode titled The Quarterback.
Seven years later, Naya Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, died aged 33 after going swimming at Lake Piru in California.
Naya disappeared on 8 July 2020 after renting a boat with her four-year-old son, Josey.
Her son was subsequently discovered alone on the boat, while an extensive search was launched for the actress.
Naya’s body was recovered from the lake on 13 July, with the Ventura County Medical Examiner ruling her death an accidental drowning.
Mark Salling, who portrayed Noah “Puck” Puckerman, also died in January 2018, aged 35.
He was found dead in Los Angeles, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.
Mark had previously pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse images and was awaiting sentencing when he died.
Federal prosecutors said investigators had discovered tens of thousands of illegal images and videos on his electronic devices.
The new Glee project is being developed by 20th Television, the studio behind the original series.
Ryan has continued working on several high-profile television productions since Glee ended, including American Horror Story, 9-1-1 and Netflix’s Monster anthology.
His long-running horror series is currently in its 13th season and has also been renewed for a 14th instalment.
