Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
Stana Katic is leavingCastleafter the upcoming eighth season finale, Deadline reports.
Katic has anchored the series opposite Nathan Fillion since the show premiered in 2009, but the actress was reportedly not asked to reprise her role as Beckett in Season 9. Late last week, Katic and longtime cast member Tamala Jones, who plays Lanie, were informed that they were being cut for budgetary reasons.
Regarding the situation, Katic told Deadline, "Rather then distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I'm very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans."
Jones thanked the fans and everyone she worked with during her seven years on Castle, calling them "family."
I just wanted to thank you all @ABCNetwork ,Cast& Crew & CastleFandom.. It's been an amazing ride! Family is what we are & I love u all!!!
Added ABC: "Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past 8 years. 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."
Castle is about to have a big Firefly reunion
The show's creator Andrew W. Marlowe tweeted that he was "heartbroken" over the news, with former executive producer Terri Edda Miller sharing the sentiment. Marlowe hashtagged his post #nmc, which many fans are taking to either mean "no more Castle" or "no more Caskett," the portmanteau given to the show's two lead characters.
Heartbroken. There are no words. #nmc
I second that emotion. https://t.co/KWhn1tp3Jd
Two of Katic and Jones' co-stars took to Twitter on Monday to express their sadness at the actresses being let go, and their frustration at having found out the news online. Jon Huertas, who plays Jones' onscreen love interest Detective Esposito, also pointed out that he and Seamus Dever, who plays Detective Kevin Ryan, have yet to be officially asked back for a potential ninth season.
To say I'm sad about @Stana_Katic & @tamalajones not coming back even if #Castle returns would be a gross understatement. #blownaway #morose
If there's a S9 of #Castle, I hope that r fans can see it fit 2 support this unknown incarnation of the show.
And if I'm a part of the cast, I'll work hard 2 continue 2 keep the integrity of our show intact... #ConsiderThis #400JOBS
And I am gonna miss @Stana_Katic & @tamalajones who are more than coworkers to me but dear friends. #Heartbroken
Who knows what ABC has in store at this point. @seamusdever & I haven't been asked back yet either... Uh oh. #NothingIsAsitSeemsAnymore
What else is sad???!!!! That I have to find this out online!!! This is my family! Why couldn't someone have told me #InADifferentWay ?!
After the news broke, Toks Olagundoye, who plays security specialist Hayley, shared her frustration at fans who were harassing her over Katic and Jones' exits, since she had no control over -- or foreknowledge about -- what happened.
Was hoping not to ever have to have another block party, but I'm simply not going to put up with abusive or hateful people anymore.
Ok...... So, here's the thing: I know NOTHING. The info I have I have from @Deadline. Believe you me I wish I knew more. In addition:
Because most of the fans have been wonderful to me I am now making the decision to be compassionate to those who are hateful and not respond
Showrunner Alexi Hawley previously teased that this season would end with a major cliffhanger, so don't be shocked if the finale ends with Beckett's life in mortal danger. "We are planning the finale to end in a cliff-hanger, but in a worst-case scenario, there's an additional scene we won't say much about that exists in case they tell us we're not coming back," Hawley told TVGuide.com.
Katic is the second female lead to exit a network series in the past month. Sleepy Hollow's third season finale controversy killed off star Nicole Beharie after the actress asked to leave.
Would you watch Castle without Katic?