Lea Michele will not be returning to ‘Scream Queens’ as she has been cast in ABC’s new comedy pilot.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former ‘Glee’ star will be part of the as-yet untitled project and if the comedy/horror series is commissioned for a third series by Fox she will not be part of it.
‘Scream Queens’ creator Ryan Murphy – who also cast Lea as Rachel Berry in ‘Glee’ – has reportedly released the 30-year-old actress from her deal for another run as her character Hester Ulrich.
Lea will appear in the ABC project with Tony winner Daveed Diggs which will focus on the life of a city major played by Search Party’s Brandon Micheal Hall.
The premise of the proposed programme is "what happens when an outspoken, idealistic rapper Courtney runs for office as a publicity stunt. When he actually gets elected, he surprises everyone, including himself, when he has a natural knack for the job and slowly transforms city hall".
Lea has, on many occasions, talked about how much of a great she had on set making ‘Scream Queens’ revealing she became best friends with Emma Roberts and former a close bond with Jamie Lee Curtis – who was dubbed the original scream queen due to her early roles in slasher films such as ‘Halloween’ and ‘Prom Night’.
Speaking about her admiration for Jamie, 58, Lea said: "Jamie’s a dream to work with. Not only that, but Jamie Lee is the best leader we could ask for. There’s not a day we don’t come to work where Jamie hasn’t brought us a gift or a note. The entire cast are a great family."