Adam Driver rules out return to Girls reboot, wishes cast luck

Actor Adam Driver has confirmed that he will not be returning to the cast of the upcoming reboot of the HBO series Girls. The decision was made public following an interview with Cinema Blend, during which Driver discussed his recent work in James Gray’s film Paper Tiger. When asked specifically about the possibility of reprising his role as Adam Sackler in the new series, Driver declined, stating that he wished the production the best of luck. This marks a significant departure from the original ensemble, as the revival will proceed without the actor who played the romantic lead for the show’s initial run.

The news follows an announcement in mid-October 2026 regarding the return of the iconic series. Creator and star Lena Dunham is set to return as Hannah Horvath, joined by several of her original co-stars. Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, and Zosia Mamet are set to return to their respective characters of Marnie Michaels, Jessa Johansson, and Shoshanna Shapiro. Andrew Rannells will once again portray Elijah Krantz in the production. The new series is planned as a limited run consisting of five episodes, with production scheduled to begin in 2027 on HBO.

Background

Girls originally aired on HBO from 2012 to 2017, spanning six seasons. The series, created by and starring Dunham, followed the life of a millennial writer navigating her twenties in New York City. Driver’s performance as Hannah’s boyfriend, Adam Sackler, served as a major breakout role for the actor, launching his career into high-profile film projects. Since leaving the series, Driver has appeared in numerous acclaimed films, including three Star Wars movies as Kylo Ren, and collaborations with directors such as Noah Baumbach in Marriage Story and The Meyerowitz Stories, Ridley Scott in The Last Duel and House of Gucci, Michael Mann in Ferrari, and Jim Jarmusch in Paterson and The Dead Don’t Die. He also starred in this year’s film Misty Green.

The dynamic between Dunham and Driver has been a subject of public discussion in recent years. In her recently released memoir, Famesick, Dunham described their relationship as tumultuous. She characterized Driver as short-tempered, verbally aggressive, condescending, and physically imposing, while also noting that he could be protective and loving. According to Dunham, Driver told her after the final episode of the original series wrapped that he would always love her. When asked about these claims at the Cannes Film Festival, Driver offered no comment, suggesting he would address the matter in a book of his own. Dunham has also previously stated that she did not intend for Adam’s character to be written as a romantic hero.

Why it matters

The exclusion of Driver from the reboot highlights the evolving nature of the cast and the specific direction of the new limited series. While the return of Dunham and the core female cast ensures continuity for long-time fans, the absence of the male lead signals a potential shift in the narrative focus or character dynamics. The original series was noted for its raw portrayal of young adulthood and relationships, and the decision to proceed without Driver may influence how the story of Hannah Horvath is told in this new chapter. The production will move forward with the returning cast members, aiming to deliver a concise five-episode conclusion or continuation of the story.

What happens next

Production for the new Girls series is set to commence in 2027. The project is an HBO Original and will consist of a limited run of five episodes. No further casting announcements have been made regarding new characters or additional returning cast members beyond those already confirmed. The specific release date for the series has not yet been announced, but the start of filming in 2027 indicates that the show is in the pre-production phase.