Cast Of ‘Glee’ ‘Thrilled’ For Michael Jackson Episode & Gwyneth Paltrow’s Return

Something evil’s lurking in the dark in the halls of “Glee’s” McKinley High School.

America’s favorite high school misfits are set to make a “thrilling” return to the screen with a Michael Jackson-themed post-Super Bowl episode, which will include a larger-than-life rendition of “Thriller” performed on a football field.

“We were shooting [‘Thriller’] until 6:30 in the morning,” Cory Montieth – who plays Finn Hudson on the hit FOX series – told Access Hollywood at the Fox TCA Party in Los Angeles on Tuesday. “We shot all night. It was probably one of the most physical numbers we’ve ever done. I was lifting Naya Rivera at one point in the dance and it was really active.

“We had the whole USC band wrapped into this number,” he added. “It was awesome!”

For Kevin McHale, who plays wheelchair-bound Artie Abrams on the hit show, paying tribute to the late King of Pop was a dream come true.

“Michael Jackson is my favorite artist ever and I’ve been pushing it very obnoxiously for a very, very long time,” Kevin told Access. “I’m beyond thrilled.”

Chris Colfer — who plays Kurt Hummel — will not appear in the “Thriller” dance madness (his character left McKinley High to escape bullying), but he has seen the performance.

“I got to watch it and it was amazing,” Chris raved. “It was so cool it almost put me in tears. It was that cool!”

While the over-the-top number may not include the entire cast, the actors are united in their excitement for Gwyneth Paltrow’s return and ready to learn from the Academy Award-winning actress once again.

“Cannot wait! [Gwyneth] was such an amazing addition to our family,” Matthew Morrison, who plays sexy musical mentor Will Schuester, told Access. “Just coming in and having an Oscar winner in our midst — it kind of raised everyone’s game. You learn your lines a lot faster and things just kind of click.”

“I love [Gwyneth],” gushed Kevin McHale. “I wish she would just stay. I know she has a life and is a big movie star and things, but she’s so great.

“Watching her work is like a class,” Kevin added. “We learn so much and she’s so sweet. She’s amazing.”

A previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Gwyneth will reprise her role as substitute teacher Holly Holliday for two upcoming episodes.

“[Gwyneth] is coming back specifically to date Will [Matthew Morrison],” “Glee” co-creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy told Entertainment Weekly in a story first published on Saturday. “Those two have become really good friends in real life and had really good chemistry. She’s coming back as a sex education teacher.”

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