Here’s how the cast of ‘Fuller House’ really feels about the Olsen Twins’ decision to pass
We can’t wait to binge-watch Fuller House, which premieres on Netflix on Feb. 26. Most of our favorites – Danny Tanner, Uncle Jesse, Joey, Aunt Becky, D.J., Stephanie, and of course Kimmy Gibbler – are set to return. Last year, while filming the show, the actors gave us glimpses of their on-set life and made us feel Full House-level warm fuzzies all over again, 20 years after the original show went off the air.
But noticeably, two big parts of the original Full House family haven’t been present among the rest of the cast’s reunion antics. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played youngest Tanner sister Michelle, have stated that they will not be returning to reprise their role on Fuller House (though luckily the Michelle character will still have an awesomely appropriate presence on the show).
And it’s understandable. According to this week’s PEOPLE cover story, Ashley hasn’t acted since she was 17 (12 years ago – chew on that for a second) and isn’t interested in getting back into acting, so Mary-Kate would have had to reprise the role solo. And the timing is just not right for MK, considering she and her sister are busy running a fashion empire and designing for their two lines, The Row and Elizabeth and James – the schedule of which conflicted with Fuller House’s production.
“Lori [Loughlin] was talking to me about the twins and said, ‘They just won a CFDA award.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s like winning an Oscar,’” John Stamos, aka Uncle Jesse, told PEOPLE. “It was them and Tom Ford. I get where they’re at.”
There’s also the fact that the twins live in New York City – far away from the rest of the cast in Los Angeles – and that they were just so much younger than everyone else when Full House was on the air. Dave Coulier, who plays Joey Gladstone, told PEOPLE of the twins’ decision to pass on Fuller House that, “They’re family members. But I think they have a different perspective. When we get together and we reminisce, they were babies [at the time]. So they don’t share those same memories. I can’t really speak for them but I would understand why they don’t have the same sentiments that we all do.”
These new comments aren’t surprising, considering that, since the announcement of the twins’ absence from Fuller House, their former cast mates have been nothing but supportive. In September, Stamos said he’ll always love Mary-Kate and Ashley and that even though they have chosen not to appear in the show, they are always welcome on set (aww). Jodie Sweetin, who plays middle Tanner daughter Stephanie, told Us Weekly in June that, “I love and support [Mary-Kate and Ashley].” Double aww.
We’re still sad the Olsens won’t appear on Fuller House, but we’re glad they have an open door to walk into anytime they want. Maybe a second season will be the right time for them to appear. And if not, that’s OK. Someone has to be around to slay the fashion world. We love you no matter what, MK & A!
Related reading:
What’s going to happen to DJ Tanner in ‘Fuller House’?
We officially have a ‘Fuller House’ premiere date—and teaser trailer!
(Images via ABC and Instagram)
