AMP in the post
And while Spencer thinks he’s open to reprising his role as the beloved Lieutenant in the hit TV series, it’s a “bittersweet” moment for him, the show’s cast and crew, but most especially the fans, to say goodbye.
His moves and lines will surely be missed.
Lead Character Lieutenant Matthew Casey Exits “Chicago Fire”
“Chicago Fire” formally said goodbye to its star Lieutenant on the 200th episode of the drama series which aired on Wednesday, October 20. The character was written out of future episodes when he chose to move to Oregon in order to care for the sons of his former best friend, who had died in a fire during the show’s first season.
However, behind-the-scenes, Matthew Casey’s exit was not prompted by the writers, but by the actor who plays the popular character. Jesse Spencer, 42, wanted to take a break. He’d spent 18 years of his life hopping from one television show to the next, and having finally tied the knot with girlfriend Kali Carr in June 2020, he’s currently keen on exploring other aspects of his life.
AMP in the post
When the pandemic prompted a break between filming, he discussed his decision to step back for a while with series creator Derek Haas.
He did admit that it was a difficult decision, but it’s one he knew he had to make, noting, “When the time comes, the time comes.”
“I’ve been doing TV for a long time. I added it up, and I think this year is my 18th year of network television straight since I went straight from House into Chicago Fire. We were coming up to the 200th episode so I called [creator] Derek [Haas], made a personal decision and broke the news that I thought it was time to leave the show and he agreed that we should at least get Casey to 200 episodes,” the Australian actor, who has led the series since its 2012 premiere, told several media outlets during a video call.
“It was a difficult decision because I’ve loved this show from the start, but there’s other things that I would love to do in the future and there’s some family that I need to take care of. 18 years is a long time. That’s a long stretch.”
Jesse Spencer On Returning To “Chicago Fire” For Romance
AMP in the post
Spencer will still be based in Chicago, despite leaving the TV series, and he’s planning a comeback, especially for the sake of putting a meaningful end to his character’s romance with Brett (Kara Killmer).
“We’ve been establishing this relationship for three years and we finally just got there. Casey’s leaving and going to Oregon for the right reasons,” the “Neighbours” star told reporters. “There is the chance that I will come back. We’re toying with, ‘Will Casey come back?’ … That’s a possibility for me too.”
When asked about the chances of Casey returning for Stella (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) upcoming wedding, Hass, 51, said that it’s been considered.
“I’m hoping. I never try to predict what’s going to happen production-wise, but we’re in the camp of whenever Jesse wants to come do an episode with us, we will move mountains and Earth to make that happen,” the “Wanted” writer said. “We’ve been talking, we’ve got some ideas of what that would be and I’d say you hit the nail on the head what some of those moments might be.”
The reunion is also vital since Casey didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to Stella. “With Jesse possibly coming back at some point in this season, we’ll see a Kidd/Casey scene I’m sure,” Haas noted.
Leaving The Show Feels “Bittersweet” To Spencer, But He Knows It’s Not Forever.
“As a lead, you don’t want to leave a show. But I wanted to leave the show. It was time for me,” he said. “It was OK [saying goodbye] because there is the potential for me to come back. I still am in Chicago right now. I’m not running off to Los Angeles or anything although I might escape for a little bit for the winter. … My home here with my wife is in Chicago, and I’m still going to be here, I’m just stepping back for right now.”
The Australian actor added: “It’s been an amazing run. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I’ll miss it. I’m stepping away but I’ll be back.”
You can watch “Chicago Fire” on NBC on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with “Chicago Fire” right now. Come back here often for all “Chicago Fire” spoilers, news, and updates.