Sources are reporting that due to the death of lead actor Cory Monteith, Glee season 5 may be delayed until November 2013.
The shocking news of Cory Monteith’s death broke this past Saturday, after the star was found in his room at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, Canada.
He and the rest of the cast were meant to begin shooting season 5 of Glee later this month; the first two episodes had already been written, and Fox was hoping to air the premiere as early as September 19.
Fox executives and Glee‘s production team met Monday to discuss how to proceed following the unexpected and tragic death of Monteith, who played one of the main characters Finn Hudson.
Now, NY Daily News is reporting that although it is too soon to tell, one of the likely outcomes of these talks will be that Glee is pushed back until November, “to let everyone breathe.”
As to how the Glee writers will choose to handle Cory Monteith’s passing on the show, we hope they find a respectful and tasteful way to do it.
Hypable has written an opinion article outlining some possible ways for Monteith’s death to be dealt with on the show, asking fans to choose which option they hope the writers go with.
Cause of death
Monteith’s initial autopsy was conducted Monday, but no conclusions have yet been drawn about the cause of death.
The actor was very open about his struggles with substance abuse, and checked into a rehab facility last year.
However, The Independent reports that the initial findings indicate that it is unlikely that his death was caused by substance abuse.
Monteith’s cast mates pay tribute
Co-star Naya Rivera (Santana) has released an official statement in which she expresses her and the entire Glee cast’s sorrow at their friend’s passing.
She writes, “Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed.”
Further, Rivera echoes what Lea Michele (Rachel)’s rep stated only hours after the news of Monteith’s death broke, asking the public for privacy in this difficult time.
Darren Criss (Blaine) showed up at the premiere of his new movie Girl Most Likely in New York wearing a black ribbon to honour his late co-star.
Sunday night, Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester) dedicated his concert to Monteith, while actors Curt Mega and Riker Lynch performed “The Scientist” in honour of the actor.