Treating their eager fans with a few tidbits surrounding what to expect from their hit FOX show’s fourth season, the stars of “Glee” took center stage at Comic-Con International 2012 in San Diego, California on Saturday (July 14).

Held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, cast members including Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Naya Rivera and Darren Criss joined alongside executive producers Brad Falchuck and Ian Brennan for the much-anticipated Q&A session.

As for the topics of conversation, Falchuk addressed the splitting up of the characters, saying, “It’s about making sure those worlds talk to each other in an interesting way.”

Noting that another Britney Spears tribute is on tap for the season’s second episode, Falchuk added, “What’s interesting is how we take the Britney theme to New York and how it effects Rachel.”

Meanwhile, Brennan revealed that the New Directions have a difficult road ahead, explaining, “They’re underdogs again. They won Nationals and that lasts for 2 minutes. That room is half empty and they’re desperately trying to get more kids for Sectionals.”

With new episodes slated to kickoff this September, actress Kate Hudson is lined up for a recurring role as Rachel’s NYC mentor.

Dishing about the “Fool’s Gold” actress’ character, Falchuk described her as “fun” while representing “the difference between the Will version of teaching and one that’s based more on negative reinforcement. The challenge for Rachel, coming out of being the biggest star in the high school show choir world, it’s time to start anew.”