Fans of ABC’s long-running seriesCastlewill be happy to learn that the network is eyeing arenewalfor Season 9, but two of the show’s longtime stars will not be returning.Deadlinereports thatStana Katic(Kate Beckett) andTamala Jones(Lanie Parish), both of whom have been with the show since the beginning, will not be returning. Here’s what an ABC spokesperson had to say about the casting departures in a statement.
“Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit seriesCastlefor the past 8 years. We are grateful forStana Katic’s talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship.Tamala Joneshas also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part ofCastle.”
The site reports that series starNathan Fillionis in negotiations to return toCastlefor Season 9, with the network eyeing a shorter13 episode season. BothNathan FillionandStana Katicsigned one-year deals for Season 8, but whileNathan Fillionwas approached a few months ago to sign a new deal,Stana Katicwas never approached to re-up her contract. BothStana KaticandTamala Joneswere informed last week that they they will not be asked to come back for Season 9, due to budgetary reasons. Here’s whatTamala Joneshad to say in a statement.
“I’ve had so much fun playing the wonderful and unfiltered Lanie over the past eight seasons. I will greatly miss the cast and crew - it’s been a privilege getting to work with this incredibly hard working group of people. Thank you to ABC for this opportunity and to the fans for their unwavering support. It’s been an incredible journey and I can’t wait for what lies ahead!”
Series creatorAndrew W. MarloweleftCastleat the end of Season 7, withAlexi HawleyandTerence Paul Wintersigning on as thenew showrunners. While the show’s future hung in the balance, the showrunners filmed two separate endings for the upcoming season finale, one of which is a cliffhanger where both Castle and Beckett’s lives hang in the balance. Here’s whatStana Katichad to say about her departure.
“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.”
It isn’t known if the upcoming Season 9 will beCastle’s final season, and the Season 9 renewal hasn’t been confirmed by ABC yet, although we’ll likely find out more about the network’s plans at their upfront presentation next month.
