Tina Majorino Says She Turned Down Veronica Mars Season 4 Due to Mac's 'Diminished Value'

The Veronica Mars revival at Hulu has already given Marshmallows a lot to chew on, from its divisive new theme song to its sloppy handling of Veronica's trauma to that devastating death, and now there's even more sour news to savor. As it turns out, the absence of Mac (Tina Majorino) from Season 4 wasn't quite as simple as it was originally stated to be.

We had known that Veronica's (Kristen Bell) computer whiz sidekick wouldn't appear in the new season since June, when creator Rob Thomas confirmed to TV Guide that Majorino wouldn't appear in the eight-episode revival due to the actress' "other commitments" but that they "would have loved to have her in it." The new season dealt with the character's absence when Veronica explained that Mac was in Istanbul over spring break.

Watch the Veronica Mars Cast Struggle to Remember Who Said These Quotes

Now, though, Tina Majorino is speaking up to clarify the real reason she didn't appear in the new season, and it's about so much more than just a simple scheduling conflict.

Majorino talked to TVLine about her decision to opt out of the new episodes, and it sounds like it was more about creative differences than any calendar issues. In a lengthy statement, she explained, "I have a very deep love for the character of Mac and my goal from the beginning has always been to give her and her trajectory the respect she deserves. Mr. Thomas told me up front that his vision for Veronica Mars was going in a different direction and that Mac was not an integral part of this new path."

Majorino explained that she "respect[ed]" Thomas's new trajectory for the series and that she was originally "excited at the prospect" of returning to the Veronica Mars again, after appearing in the 2014 crowd-funded film. However, she said she found that "the schedule reflected ... the diminished value of Mac in this new world of Veronica Mars."

"There was no room for my beloved hacker queen and, as conversations continued, that only became more clear," said Majorino. "So, I made the decision not to participate. I was so pleased with where we saw her end up in the movie that I didn't want to demean that by making an appearance that would not satisfy me, Mac, or the viewers."

Majorino's statement doesn't give much hope to fans who'd like to see Mac return if the show continues, as it concludes, "I am so grateful to have been a part of this show and the subsequent film and I hope it will bring everyone involved as much success as the original. I hope that the fans understand my logic and I hope that they understand that there are worlds beyond Veronica Mars that we will all explore together in the future."

However, Thomas told TVLine that he has "no hard feelings" for Majorino and "would jump at" the opportunity to work with her again.

Veronica Mars is available to stream on Hulu now.