Kevin McHale says NO to 'Glee' reboot, says he wouldn't play Artie ever again

In a recent interview, Kevin McHale revealed he won't be returning as Artie on 'Glee' reboot for this reason
PUBLISHED NOV 18, 2022
Kevin McHale attending an event (Getty Images) and McHale as Artie Abrams in 'Glee' (FOX)
Kevin McHale attending an event (Getty Images) and McHale as Artie Abrams in 'Glee' (FOX)

2009 saw Ryan Murphy coming out with one of the most amazing musical series in the form of ‘Glee’. The first season of the series garnered positive reviews and the show ran for five more seasons. The show’s success was mainly because of its extremely well-written characters. From Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) to Santana Lopez (Naya Riviera), the characters from the show became an integral part of people’s lives and they continue to reign supreme in the hearts of many. Fans have been asking the makers to come back with the show again and even Ryan Murphy has suggested that it’s time for something like ‘Glee’ to make a comeback. However, one of the show’s characters has already made it clear that he won’t be returning for the series this time around.

Kevin McHale, who played the role of Artie Abrams on the show, has made it clear that he won’t be returning to the musical series if Murphy really goes ahead with the idea of a reboot. The character was a guitarist and paraplegic manual wheelchair user who was a member of the glee club. As Artie, McHale sang a lot of songs in the series that were available for download. But it seems he doesn’t want to sit in a wheelchair again as he has categorically said “no” to returning to the series if Murphy wants him to play the same character.

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Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams in 'Glee' (FOX)
Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams in 'Glee' (FOX)

While speaking in an interview with Insider, the 34-year-old actor believes that he should not be playing a character who’s in a “wheelchair” and will only return if they allow him to play a different character. He added, “I don’t know if Artie could be in it. Knowing what we know now, I don’t think I should be playing a character that’s in a wheelchair. So, if they let me grow out of my beard and play a different character, I’ll do it.”

The talks of a ‘Glee’ reboot have been gathering steam since the time Murphy said that they should reboot the series or do a “Broadway musical” of it in some way. On the other hand, McHale’s co-star Jenna Ushkowitz, who played the role of Tina Cohen-Chang in the series, has also said that she will only return for the series if Murphy is involved. During her chat with Insider, Ushkowitz bluntly said that people can count her out if Murphy is not involved. She added, “If Ryan was involved, I mean, that’s when you consider it. That’s when you talk about actually the possibility of doing it. Otherwise, you can count me out.”

Co-creator/writer Ryan Murphy (C) poses in the press room with the cast of
Co-creator/writer Ryan Murphy (C) poses in the press room with the cast of "Glee" with the award for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy for "Glee" at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The series ran for six seasons and was nominated for more than 20 Primetime Emmys during its run. In 2010 and 2011, ‘Glee’ won Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards.

Let’s see if Ryan Murphy moves ahead with the idea of a reboot or not, but if he does, it would be wise of him to contact all the remaining original members to return and weave magic once again.

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