Update, 2:55 p.m.: It seems that our collective excitement over this dream casting may have gotten ahead of the reality of the situation. A reliable insider who works on the show just told me this regarding multiple reports today (the first by EW) that Neil Patrick Harris is nearing a Glee deal: "I don't know how we'd make a deal with someone when we don't have anything for them to play yet." That doesn't mean there won't eventually be a part written for Neil in the Joss Whedon-directed episode of the series, but for the time being, at least, this casting might not be as close as we'd all originally hoped.
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Forget Jennifer Lopez as a cafeteria worker and Justin Timberlake as a dance-off partner for Mr. Shue (Matthew Morrison), 'cause this is just about the best Glee casting idea yet: According to Fox sources, Neil Patrick Harris is close to signing a deal to come to Glee.
As EW first reported, NPH is in final talks to appear on the episode Joss Whedon will direct, which of course will be a reunion for the two after working on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. The episode would air in late spring.
According to one source, "The plan is for Neil's acting, singing and dancing talents to all be used...And of course his awesome comedy chops."
Beyond that, sources are staying mum for the time being.
I'm told that Harris' TV mothership, CBS, has yet to sign off on the idea. Though Glee and How I Met Your Mother air on different networks, they are produced by the same studio (20th Century Fox) and air in different timeslots.
Anyone else a teensy bit excited about NPH on Glee? And if HIMYM barters a Glee castmember in exchange, who should it be?
(Originally published Jan. 19, 2010 at 9:50 a.m. PT)
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Don't miss Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz's behind the scenes video diary of their award-winning day at the Golden Globes!