Who Should Return in the Community Movie?

Introduction

Peacock's Community movie could include multiple fan-favorite non-study group members who would help the film feel complete. Dan Harmon's comedy TV show titled Community ran from 2009 to 2015, telling the story of a study-group-turned-friends who attend Greendale Community College in the fictional city of Greendale, Colorado. After six difficult seasons, a cancelation, and nine years, the comedy show Community is finally fulfilling its #SixSeasonsAndAMovie campaign. Joel McHale provided confirmation of the Community movie, tentatively titled ...And A Movie, in September 2022. Since then, the fandom has been abuzz with discussion of who might appear in the film.

Initially, the announcement confirmed the return of most of the Community study group– Jeff (Joel McHale), Annie (Allison Brie), Britta (Gillian Jacobs), and Abed (Danny Pudi). Since then, it's been confirmed that both Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Troy (Donald Glover) will also return for the movie. Chevy Chase's Pierce left Community before season 5 due to on-set conflicts which included him using a racial slur. As such, he almost definitely won't return for the film. With the study group set to return for ...And A Movie, the question comes up what non-study group members could return for the Community movie.

Fan-Favorite Non-Study Group Members

The Community movie wouldn't be the same without certain characters who have played pivotal roles throughout the series. These fan-favorite non-study group members have contributed to the unique charm of the show and are eagerly anticipated for the upcoming film. Let's explore some of the characters who could make a return and add depth to the Community movie.

Chang was never an official part of the study group except for five minutes in Community season 2, episode 12, 'Asian Population Studies;' however, he loses his spot due to him and Shirley sleeping together. Despite this, he's central to the plot in every season. Chang also has the best jokes and isn't restricted by the rules of the show – ala getting Changnesia and becoming a dictator. The Community movie wouldn't be the same without his nonsensical, unhinged hijinks. Luckily, actor Ken Jeong was one of the people promoting the movie after its announcement, and Peacock included him in their confirmation of the movie, indicating that he will return.

Chang dressed as a security guard, as Napoleon Bonaparte, and a academic in Community

There's no character in Community who better exemplifies Greendale than Dean Pelton. He gives wacky announcements, wears theatrical costumes, and puts on a ridiculous number of school dances. He truly believes in the value of Greendale even when everyone else doubts it. The Dean refuses to box himself into labels about his sexuality or gender expression, mirroring the individualism of the school. These elements make him the heart of the TV show, alongside Troy and Abed's friendship. As such, he needs to appear in the Community movie for it to feel complete. Luckily, actor Jim Rash was listed in the Peacock film announcement, making the Dean's return almost certain.

Dean Pelton sits behind his desk in his office in Community

Between the Ass-Crack Bandit, the paintball games, and the pillow and blanket fort battle, Garrett is involved in some of the most iconic Community storylines. This would make him a perfect addition to the Community movie. Additionally, it would be interesting to get an update on his life. Despite mostly taking science classes at Greendale, the end of the series shows Garrett putting on a comedy show with Vicki and marrying his cousin. There's no clear answer to what kind of job he'd have after graduating from the community college.

Garrett at a podium singing in Community

Memorable Characters Worthy of a Comeback

One of the goofier additions to Community is the character Magnitude who's famous for his catchphrase, 'Pop, pop!' which he says alongside a raise-the-roof gesture. He's a one-man-party who's always there for a good time, as seen when he attends Jeff's house party. He frequently involves himself in school events like the election and school commercial. Ultimately, as the Dean says in Community season 4, '...Greendale is Magnitude saying, 'Pop, pop!'' Magnitude would be a fun character to incorporate in ...And A Movie, even if it was only a short cameo.

Magnitude shouts Pop Pop and throws his hands in the air in Community.

Alex Osbourne, known mononymously as Starburns, is a middle-aged student at Greendale Community College who also runs a meth lab in Community. Starburns resents the study group except for Pierce, with whom he trades drugs, and Abed, whom he tasks with making a documentary about his life. This creates an interesting dynamic where he calls out the stupid things the study group does. Moreover, he makes ridiculous choices like faking his own death and trying to make a cat-powered vehicle, proving he's just as irrational as the rest of Greendale Community College. All these elements make Starburns a beloved part of Community and a great choice for the upcoming film.

Starburns wears a top hat and has a lizard on his shoulder in Community.

After Pierce leaves Community, the series introduces Professor Buzz Hickey to fill in the gap. Hickey is primarily cranky but has a soft side that becomes more prominent over time. Unfortunately, Jonathan Banks' Buzz Hickey only stays on Community for one season due to the actor's filming schedule. By the end of his run, Hickey fit in with the rest of the ensemble. The Community film could easily bring back Buzz Hickey to work at Greendale again or have a drink with his former star pupil, Annie.

Jonathan Banks as Buzz Hickey in his office on Community