On the one hand, it is a shame that we won't get to see the entire cast of That '70s Show make an appearance in the upcoming Netflix revival sitcom, That '90s Show. However, on the other, it makes sense as to why Danny Masterson won't be returning as Steven Hyde.
Over the weekend, Netflix announced that almost everyone from the original cast of the FOX hit show that aired from 1998 to 2006 will return to make a guest appearance on That '90s Show. While Kurtwood Smith (Red Foreman) and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty Foreman) have been cast as series regulars, the other main characters from the original show will make guest appearances, including Topher Grace as Eric Foreman, Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti, Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart, Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso, and Wilmer Valderrama as Fez.
However, Masterson, who played Steven Hyde for all eight seasons of That '70s Show, will not be among them. Masterson's legal problems are undoubtedly why the showrunners have elected not to bring his character back. For anyone who has been keeping up with the tabloids, Masterson has been accused of, sued, and eventually criminally charged with sexual assault of multiple women from back in the 2000s when he was on the show. Masterson's legal issues got him fired from the Netflix show The Ranch in December 2017 and he has yet to find work as an actor since these allegations have come to light.
In spite of Hyde's popularity as a character on That '70s Show, it makes total sense that they wouldn't bring Masterson back because of the potential backlash that would come their way if they did. Now if Masterson is fully cleared when both his lawsuits and trials are taken care of, then perhaps there could be a cameo for his character in the near future. However, given the number of victims and plaintiffs in this situation - and that the Church of Scientology may have been involved in a possible coverup of Masterson's alleged wrongdoings - that isn't likely to happen.
So all that remains is whether they'll acknowledge Hyde's absence in That '90s Show. Ashton Kutcher knows a thing or two about acknowledging characters' fates when their actors were written off the show since he was Charlie Sheen's replacement in Two and Half Men back in 2011 following Sheen's public meltdown earlier that year. Since Hyde was best known for being the hippy of the group, it may not be too difficult to determine his fate. Fans would definitely buy that Hyde may have been arrested during a protest or died of a possible drug overdose because that fits his character.
Since That '90s Show will feature a whole new cast of characters next to Red and Kitty Foreman, not having Hyde won't be too big of an issue. All of the other original cast members who are slated to return will only play supporting roles, so it's not like he would have been a major factor in the show regardless. Plus, if things continue to spiral for Masterson, he's got a lot more to worry about than his acting career.
That '90s Show is currently in production.
Source: Variety