“Castle” fans might be bummed to learn that if there’s a ninth season, series stars Stana Katic and Tamala Jones won’t be returning.
TheWrap has learned that both actresses will be leaving the ABC show after Season 8 concludes later this spring, while Nathan Fillion is in negotiations to return as the crime drama’s eponymous character.
Both actress’ reps confirmed their departure, which may shock fans since they have been on the show since the first season.
It’s particularly shocking that Katic, who has co-starred as Detective Kate Beckett and chief sparring partner with Fillion’s author-turned-PI Rick Castle, will no longer be involved in the procedural. Jones plays New York City medical examiner Lanie Parish.
Although the show isn’t officially renewed for Season 9, that doesn’t mean it’s dead. ABC plans to retool the series around Fillion.
“Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series ‘Castle’ for the past 8 years,” ABC said in a statement. “We are grateful for Stana Katic‘s talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship. Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part of ‘Castle’.”
Katic has said she’s “very grateful to ABC” for the role and thanked the fans, while Jones said she “will greatly miss the cast and crew.”