Aw, nuts. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will not reprise their shared role as Michelle Tanner, the youngest of Danny Tanner's clan, in the upcoming Netflix revival series Fuller House. While the twins actually floated the idea that they might take part in the new series, THR reports that they will not return for the new series, leaving the Tanner family down one very key member.
The new series will focus on Stephanie and D.J. Tanner, played by returning cast members Jodie Sweetin and Candace Cameron Bure, the eldest daughters of Saget’s Danny Tanner and the older sisters of Michelle Tanner (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen). John Stamos will produce and reprise his role as uncle Jesse in a guest role. Dave Coulier will also return as Uncle Joey. Original cast members Bob Saget and Lori Loughlin are still in talks to join.
Executive producer Robert L. Boyett said in a 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."
Well, this blows. I mean really, what is Full House without the spunky backtalk of Michelle Tanner? As Stephanie would say, how rude! However, while the twins' decision not to return is a bummer for those of us who grew up on the series, it's not all that surprising. Unlike some of their Full House co-stars, the Olsen twins reached a phenomenal amount of fame, racked up a ton of cash, and clearly do not need the work. Also, they just don't seem all that interested in acting any more. It's been years since either has turned in an on-screen performance, the last being Mary-Kate's brief role in the 2011 film Beastly. Ultimately, the one actor Netflix needs to lock down is Bob Saget. There can be no Full House without Danny Tanner. That would be sacrilege, or whatever the equivalent word is when you're talking about a silly nostalgia-driven revival series.
Here's the official synopsis for Fuller House.
In Fuller House, the adventures that began in 1987 on Full House continue, with veterinarian D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Cameron-Bure) pregnant and recently widowed, living in San Francisco. D.J.’s younger sister/aspiring musician Stephanie Tanner (Sweetin) and D.J.’s lifelong best friend/fellow single mother Kimmy Gibbler (Barber), along with Kimmy’s feisty teenage daughter Ramona, all move in to help take care of D.J.’s two boys — the rebellious 12-year-old J.D. and neurotic 7-year-old Max — and her soon-to-arrive baby.