'Castle' Season 8 Cast News: Nathan Fillion Reacts To Stana Katic Exit; Infuriates Fans

By Jackie Villegas, Christian Post Contributor Friday, April 22, 2016

"Castle" lead actor Nathan Fillion has offered his thoughts on the news that Stana Katic, his co-star, will not be returning for a possible season 9 of the ABC crime drama.

Earlier this week, Deadline reported that Katic and Tamala Jones, another "Castle" actress, are exiting the series ahead of its tentative season 9. According to the outlet, while Fillion has been negotiating his return to "Castle," Katic, his leading lady, was never approached about coming back for the next season. Katic and Jones, both of whom have been with "Castle" from the start, were reportedly informed that they are not being asked to return because of "budgetary reasons."

"Stana has been my partner all this time, and I thank her for creating the character of Beckett," Fillion said in a note posted to Twitter on Tuesday, April 19. "I wish her well, and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues. She will be missed."

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Fillion also alluded to the show's uncertain future, saying, "Castle has been one of the greatest joys of my creative life, and I hope the show continues on for years to come."

But while the statement seemed benign, some "Castle" fans picked up on what they thought was a subtle dig at Katic, saying that the actor had not wanted the show to "continue on" until after Katic was booted out.

"If you had any respect for the show, Stana, the characters and the fans, you'd not continue on the show 'for years to come,'" a Twitter follower responded.

Many others called for Fillion to stand up for Stanic and said that the show will not be the same without her. Others, angered by his note, called for fans to boycott the show and for ABC to cancel it.

Meanwhile, "Castle" cast member Molly Quinn has also responded to Katic and Jones' exit, tweeting "Yesterday was a horrible day" on Tuesday. According to the actress, who had been working with both Katic and Jones for the last eight years: "I love them. I'm heartbroken."

ABC has not announced whether "Castle" will be renewed or cancelled.