Co-creator and executive producer Brad Falchuk told thousands of so-called
"Gleeks" gathered at Comic-Con on Sunday that Rachel, Kurt and Finn "are not
done with the show after this season."
Reports surfaced last month that the three stars would not return for season
four of the musical Fox series. Their characters are high school seniors who are
set to graduate at the end of the season three.
"They're seniors, they're graduating, but just because they're graduating
doesn't mean they're leaving the show," Falchuk told fans, noting that the
actors remain under contract.
The three actors did not appear at the presentation at the San Diego
Convention Center, where show writers and cast members Jenna Ushkowitz, Darren
Criss, Dot Marie Jones and Harry Shum Jr. talked about the new season, which is
set to return in the fall.
The new season will be split into two "mini-seasons" that mimic school
semesters, Falchuk said.
Fans can expect a deeper look into the characters' lives and their
post-high-school aspirations. Broadway star Idina Menzel will return, and Sue Sylvester, the
mean-spirited cheerleading coach played by Jane Lynch (who won an Emmy last year for the
role), will be running for Congress in season three in an attempt to destroy all
glee clubs.
"Sue is running on a no-arts platform," Falchuk said.
The presentation also included a peek at "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie," which
is set for release August 12.
The film includes footage shot during the cast's national concert tour and
offers a look into the lives of passionate "Glee" fans.
Among the highlights shown include Criss performing "Teenage Dream" and
Heather Morris, who plays Brittany S. Pearce, singing and dancing to Britney
Spears' hit "I'm a Slave 4 U."
