In the two years since our own April Fools Joke featured a reboot of the classic ‘90s family sitcom Full House, a revival series was rumored then officially given the green light by Netflix. With many of the original stars confirmed to return for Fuller House either in starring roles or guest appearances, the last holdout of the main cast was Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the part of the youngest Tanner daughter, Michelle.
In an interview after Fuller House was ordered to series at Netflix, the twins claimed they hadn't heard about the revival, though costar John Stamos was quick to say that wasn't true. Now, although they may have entered talks with the studio concerning the series, they've officially decided not to return to the Tanner family.
THR is reporting Fuller House will move forward without the youngest Tanner daughter as the Olsen twins will not reprise their role as Michelle. In a statement concerning the announcement, executive producer Robert L. Boyett responded to the actresses’ decision and offered support for their own endeavors.
Read Boyett's full statement:
“Although Ashley and Mary-Kate will not be a part of ‘Fuller House,' I know how much ‘Full House’ has meant to them and they are still very much considered family. It has been exciting to see how they have built their professional careers, and I support their choice to focus on their fashion brands and various business endeavors. I appreciate their support and good wishes towards ‘Fuller House’."
The new series will star Candace Cameron Bure as D.J. Tanner, Andrea Barber as D.J.'s best friend Kimmy Gibbler, and Jodie Sweetin as Stephanie Tanner, the middle child. Additionally, Stamos will produce the series and reprise his role as Jesse Katsopolis and Dave Coulier is returning as Joey Gladstone. Fellow stars Bob Saget (Danny Tanner) and Lori Loughlin (Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis) are in talks to return as well.
As one of the more vocal members of the cast, Stamos responded to the news of Mary-Kate and Ashley not returning on Twitter with a tweet that simply said "#heartbroken" and went on to say he understands their decision and wishes them the best. Then on Facebook, the actor expanded on his thoughts concerning the Olsen twins turning down Fuller House.
Take a look at Stamos’ response to the announcement:
#heartbroken— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) May 23, 2015
I understand they're in a different place and I wish them the best. I promise you will not be dissapointed with our reunion and spin off!!— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) May 23, 2015
Just so you reporters know - this is not a money gig for any of us- quite the opposite - we want to give the fans what...Posted by John Stamos on Friday, May 22, 2015
The Olsen twins’ decision to not return for Fuller House shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to fans of the original series. The actresses have been reluctant to involve themselves in the reboot since it was first announced, and certainly dragged their heels in comparison to other cast members who quickly jumped on board.
Based on Stamos’ comments, especially those in his Facebook post, it seems the reason the Olsen twins turned down reprising their Full House role is that they believe Fuller House to simply be a “money gig” for those involved. While that may be true to some extent, many of the cast members - particularly Stamos and Bure - have expressed seemingly genuine excitement in reuniting with their on-screen family.
Whether or not Fuller House turns out to be a “classy” return to television for the Full House stars remains to be seen. That being said, if an enthusiastic cast is integral to creating a new and entertaining series, it may be for the best that Mary-Kate and Ashley don’t appear - although perhaps their younger sister Elizabeth Olsen would be up for playing Michelle Tanner.
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Fuller House is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2016.