‘Glee’ Season 4 Bringing Back Pretty Much the Entire Cast

Hey, remember the year before Comic-Con 2012, when 'Glee' creator and show-runner Ryan Murphy said that season 3 would ditch the tribute episodes and obscene celebrity guest stars, instead focusing on character development?  Yeah, that didn't happen.  So, remember when 'Glee' Season 4 was going to say goodbye to a portion of the cast in order to divide between New York and new characters back in Ohio?  Yeah, not so much.  So who's returning, and who might have a bigger role?

According to a new report from Deadline TV, 'Glee' creator Ryan Murphy has extended an "open invitation" for all 15 series regulars  to return to the series for season 4.  Given that season 3 finale "Goodbye" saw no less than six series regulars graduating McKinley high, and presumably going their separate ways, it's going to take some serious hoop-jumping to justify keeping all the regulars between the Ohio and New York sides of the upcoming season.

So while it appears that the majority of the 'Glee' cast has accepted the offer to return, including Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, Naya Rivera, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz, Jayma Mays, Dianna Agron, Mark Salling, Harry Shum Jr and Heather Morris, their screen time and appearances across 'Glee' season 4 will vary.  As we've mentioned before, the series is still casting at least three new series regulars, which may or may not include 'American Idol' runner-up Jessica Sanchez.

Additionally, series star Chord Overstreet is likely to get bumped up to series regular for season 4, despite having departed the series after season 2, and returning midway through season 3.  Somehow, 'Glee' season 4 will also make time for Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson to appear in recurring roles.

And don't you worry about Rachel (Lea Michele)  and Finn (Cory Monteith), who was last seen ready to join the military, as both are set to keep leading roles in the series.

So, what say you?  Is 'Glee's seeming refusal to change a sign of declining quality?  Are you glad to have near of the entire cast back for season 4?  What might we learn from the Comic-Con 2012 panel?  Sound off with your wishlist in the comments below!