ABC is preparing for Castle Season 9 without female lead Stana Katic and original cast member Tamala Jones, who will both depart the series if it is renewed, Deadline reports:
Caskett no more. I have learned that ABC is planning a ninth season of the venerable crime procedural without one of its two stars, female lead Stana Katic, who plays Detective Kate Beckett to Nathan Fillion’s writer-turned-PI RickCastle. It is the main part of a major shakeup on the series, which also includes the departure of fellow original cast member Tamala Jones. Fillion has been in negotiations to return to Castle, which I hear is eyeing a shortened, likely 13-episode, ninth season, at a reduced license fee.
I hear the decision for Katic not to return was made by ABC and ABC Studios. Both Fillion and Katic last spring inked one-year contracts, which are up at the end of the current eighth season. While the studio started making overtures to Fillion for a new deal months ago and has been in on- and off- talks with him since the beginning of the year, I hear Katic was never approached to re-up her contract and was not offered an opportunity to continue on the show. Instead, I hear she, as well as Jones, were recently informed that for budgetary reasons, they won’t be asked to come back for Season 9.
ABC confirmed Katic and Jones’ departures in a statement:
“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.”
Asked about her departure, Katic merely had the following the say, per 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.”
ABC has yet to formally renew the new-look Castle, but the changes are a sure sign that the network has every intention of bringing it back for the 2016-17 season, on the cheap.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the status of Castle Season 9…
Debbie says
Whaaa?!? It just will NOT be the same…
Eli says
Why bring it back at all at this point? This is the death knell as far as I’m concerned.
Whydoyou Needtoknow says
That’s like telling I Love Lucy, “Lucy costs too much.” I agree with Eli. IF Filion signs up (which he shouldn’t!), the show won’t be worth watching anyway.
Mrs. Suzanne Ormond says
Because the new head of ABC either wanted more money herself or she’s an idiot or both. When websites offer to raise the money for the 2 stars salary, you know how much they mean to the show.
marta says
If they renew Castle without Stana or Jones then it won’t be the same. Season 8 already seems a bit boring considering that they use similar plot lines to that of season 5 and 6.
I think that season 9 will start to be too much if it isn’t already. Especially if they take to of the characters away that including one of the main ones.
Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of Castle but it seems that if season 9 would happen it would just not be the same without the main character.
JY says
This is unbelievable!!!! Why have air the show at all this is crazy!!
Sherri says
Agree with all the above. I’d rather they end the show and wrap up the current story lines now, than without 2 main characters…..
Jolene Hanson says
I agree with the above too. I love these characters I was hoping for a family for them and more adventures. Whatever you do, don’t kill them off. This has been one of my favorite shows since the beginning. I can understand why they may want to do something else so just end the show on a high note.
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Rachel Neighbors says
Why don’t you shift the characters to pi’s. Make for more case to solve.
Sue says
I love castle and I am excited to know if we are going to have a season 9 and I need to see all the main characters. Let’s see them have a baby juggle work with family. Please bring them all back!!!!