Johannesburg - The future of crime drama Castle is in doubt after the show’s leading lady Stana Katic, who’s played Kate Beckett since the show started in 2009, was unexpectedly let go.
The shocker comes at a time when Castle is trying to negotiate a deal with broadcaster ABC for a potential 9th season. Series star Tamala Jones (Dr Lanie Parish) has also been fired in a move which is said to be all about cost-cutting.
The sudden firings have been met with sadness and shock from Castle’s male lead Nathan Fillion, who plays novelist/investigator Richard Castle.
He posted on Twitter: "Castle has been one of the greatest joys of my creative life, and I hope the show continues in for years to come. Stana has been my partner all this time, and I thank her for creating the character of Beckett. I wish her well, and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues. She will be missed."
— Nathan Fillion (@NathanFillion) April 19, 2016
Stana’s official response was much shorter. She tweeted "To the fans: thank you for your support. I love you".
To the fans: thank you for your support. I love you. ??????
— Stana Katic (@Stana_Katic) April 19, 2016
Tamala issued a longer, more heartfelt 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."
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!!!????
— Tamala Jones (@tamalajones) April 18, 2016
Meanwhile Molly Quinn, who plays Castle’s daughter Alexis, posted a series of tweets about the future of the show and that Nathan Fillion is the star of the series, not Stana.
Here are some of her tweets:
Yesterday was a horrible day. Ya'll're right, I did work with @Stana_Katic and @tamalajones for 8 yrs. I love them.
— Molly C. Quinn (@MollyQuinn93) April 19, 2016
I'm heartbroken.
I have 0 control over what happens @Castle_ABC
— Molly C. Quinn (@MollyQuinn93) April 19, 2016
But if we come back, I promise @NathanFillion will bring all of you a damn fine show.
& @twitter is a privilege not a right. I want to share what I do with all of you, but will do so if I choose & in my own time. Do not bully.
— Molly C. Quinn (@MollyQuinn93) April 19, 2016
It'll be different, way way way different, but it is #Castle @NathanFillion IS Castle. https://t.co/3oap8TeBjs
— Molly C. Quinn (@MollyQuinn93) April 19, 2016
The bigger question of course is will the fans want to watch another season of Castle without its leading lady…