Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Dustin Rowles | TV | October 2, 2026
In news that will surprise no one (and is sourced by TMZ, so … ), many members of the original Glee cast are reportedly not terribly keen to sign on to Ryan Murphy’s reboot of the series, thanks to lingering bad blood between the creator and his former stars.
According to TMZ, the original cast — while acknowledging Murphy’s role in their success — is reluctant to return because of the way he treated them during the show’s run. They reportedly worked 15- to 17-hour days during the week, only to be required to attend weekend rehearsals for the Glee tour. They describe him as a “tyrant” who pushed them relentlessly.
Murphy is said to be calling around to OG cast members in an attempt to make amends after years of strained relationships, the result not only of him pushing them too hard but of his failure to support them.
None of this is shocking.
The other sticking point, apparently, is that the original cast members worry the reboot will center too heavily on Lea Michele’s character, because Murphy reportedly played favorites with her (and she had her own reputation for tyrannical behavior back in the day). There is, according to TMZ, “no love lost” between Murphy and the cast.
Murphy has already written the script for the Glee reboot, and while he still draws viewers, his recent shows have been met with plenty of critical derision, especially that woeful Lizzie Borden series.
