There's uncertain times ahead for Community - the NBC comedy may be one of the funniest shows on the box, but some fans have voiced their concern that the show might lose its way following the departure of series creator and showrunner Dan Harmon...

Digital Spy and other journos caught up with the show's star Joel McHale (Jeff Winger) at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego to talk about Harmon's departure, the show's future and how he feels about finally getting to meet Jeff's father!

How do you feel about losing Dan Harmon as Community showrunner?

"As you've probably heard the cast answer now 400 or 500 times, Dan created the show and gave me the job of a lifetime. I think it's the greatest show in the history of television, but it was such a strange time [when he was fired].



"You guys heard me in every single interview I did - I wanted Dan back. Obviously a lot of stuff changed.

"It's different [now] and I know the new showrunners from The IT Crowd pilot that I did for NBC back in 2007 - they're terrific guys, really good, and a lot of the old Community writers are back. It's definitely a strange transition time but I'm still insanely excited to do the show.

"It's one of those things where, you know, Dan will be missed, and it's gonna be interesting to see how it all goes, but [right now, we're] just talking to the writers and seeing how things are going. There you go - my long stuttering answer!"

How exactly does Community feel different now?

"Well it's like... if you have a pool that's chlorine and you switch it over to salt water. It's different, but it's still the same pool and it's still water! I actually can't really say - of course, it will be different, but we're not back at work yet, so we'll see how it is.



"One of the most different things is that [show execs and directors] the Russo brothers now are doing Animal Practice and their crew is very loyal to them. So we have a whole new crew - that will also be a massive change.

"I can't really tell you the difference yet, but it's different in that I know that it will be different. That was really long and unclear!"

How far are you into the development of the new season?

"We've done nothing. Maybe I'm speaking too soon - I've not read a thing!"



So you haven't discussed the new scripts before filming?

"No, but that never happened, in the last three years. I don't know any show where that happens unless you're on the writing staff or an executive producer.



"August 13 is the first day of shooting, and then the Monday before that will be the first table reading. So you can all come back then after the table reading and I can let you all know about how it went!"

We're finally going to meet Jeff Winger's father this season - are you excited?

"Yes. I actually learned that last night. I'm very excited."



Do you have any dream casting choices for the role?

"Channing Tatum would be great. Jessica Biel would be a great father for me. Anybody from the cast of Green Lantern really...



"There's been a number of names thrown around. I know a lot of people have talked about Bill Murray - that would be great. Someone like John Larroquette would be great. I think somebody like John Cleese would be terrific.

"We could mix it up and make it like... Eddie Murphy or something, or Jackie Chan would be great! Whatever it is, I definitely would be not what we'd expected.

"I hope maybe it's Meryl Streep - she can do anything, she is very versatile! I'm very exciting to see that part, that'd be great to seek my teeth into."

What are you most excited about for season four?

"Well, that, [meeting Jeff's father]. That's huge. There's no end to my amusement to see what the Dean (Jim Rash) and Jeff will be doing. Jim is such a genius that... everything from his dropping down and having an orgasm on the floor, or singing 'Kiss from a Rose', or when I yell the word 'Unicorn!' at him and he had another orgasm! His episode, the Heart of Darkness episode ['Documentary Filmmaking: Redux'] was one of my favourite of last season.



"Of course there'll be stuff with Annie (Alison Brie) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs), probably, I assume. And then probably some ongoing thing with Pierce (Chevy Chase) that he always has happening...

"In conclusion, the father and Dean stuff is always something I look forward to. And if I get the opportunity to play foosball - that's always good!"

Community returns to NBC for a fourth season on Friday, October 19. In the UK, the series airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

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