Chris Colfer on His Season 4 Departure from GLEE

Earlier this week BroadwayWorld reported that a handful of GLEE actors, including Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, and Cory Monteith, will not return for Season 4. "We made that decision and I involved Chris and Lea," Murphy confirmed in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, adding that "they thought that was a good idea. They both trust the writing and trust me and felt that it would be great to have an open and closed experience for them to go out while they were on top."

Now, Colfer has spoken up about the news in the LA Times, commenting: "I think the overall breaking news of it surprised me. I definitely wasn't expecting that. It's definitely not my choIce To leave the show, but I understand it's the right choice."

Colfer added, "The show is very real. To have the character grow up and leave and graduate, it's the right thing to do."

Bringing in a new set of writers (including Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who was brought on to rework SPIDER-MAN, TURN OFF THE DARK earlier this year) will not change the plan to have the characters leave the show. "We already made the decision before the new writers came in," Murphy said, "but everybody likes where we're taking it and what we're writing toward."

GLEE follows an optimistic teacher who, against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach, inspires McKinley High's Glee Club to conquer the world one singing competition at a time. GLEE stars Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz.

Murphy hinted at other characters leaving as well - saying "more characters are leaving than are staying" and that the full roster of GLEE seniors will be revealed in the September 20th third season premiere - but for now, Colfer, Michele and Monteith are the only characters confirmed to be "graduating" McKinley High.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

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