‘Castle’ Star Nathan Fillion Opens Up About Co-Star Stana Katic’s Departure

Stana Katic’s announcement that she would be leaving Castle after eight seasons on the ABC series only comes as a mild surprise, since ABC has previously commented that the series would go on without one or more of its stars, but that doesn’t make the news any less disheartening for Castle fans or for the remaining Castle stars. Nathan Fillion, who plays Richard Castle, has remained silent about Katic’s news, even though it means some major re-imagining of the series, which casts Fillion and Stana as love interests as well as professional partners. Now, Nathan is coming forward with his own thoughts about losing Stana and how he will carry on the Castle drama without Katic.

Castle Star Nathan Fillion’s Heartfelt Words To Stana Katic

Stana Katic isn’t alone in her exodus from Castle prior to its ninth season. She will be joined in departing from Castle by Tamala Jones, but it will be Katic whose absence will be felt the most among fans, due to her onscreen relationship with Castle lead, Nathan Fillion. ABC has already issued a statement, regarding Stana’s decision not to return, citing her role as Kate Beckett as “a beloved character on our hit series Castle.” The ABC statement also regarded Jones as an equally vital part of the Castle team, adding that the network was grateful to have both actresses on the series throughout the past eight seasons.

Meanwhile, Castle actor Nathan Fillion has shared his own thoughts on his co-star’s departure. Such a statement from a former co-star isn’t very common, so that may be a testament to just how much the cast has enjoyed working with Castle’s Stana Katic.

“Castle has been one of the greatest joys of my creative life, and I hope the show continues on for years to come,” Fillion wrote. “Stana has been my partner all this time, and I thank her for creating the character of Beckett who will live on for all of us as one of the greatest police officers on television. I wish her well, and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues. She will be missed.”

Will Stana Katic’s Castle Departure Open Up The Possibility For A More Permanent Firefly Reunion For Nathan Fillion And Jewel Staite?

Even before Ms. Katic announced her decision to part company from Castle, news that the show would play host to a small Firefly reunion between Fillion and Jewel Staite had already been teased. Showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley haven’t commented on whether the change in the show’s line-up will affect Staite’s status as guest star, so, at present, Jewel has only been contracted for the one episode.

Staite will appear in the May 2 episode, titled “Much Ado About Murder,” and will play the stage director of a Shakespearean Broadway play. In the episode, Castle and his team investigate the murder of the play’s star, who was also a popular movie star.

Jewel Staite played Kaylee Frye on Firefly and proved to be a source of comic relief on the sci-fi drama, as well as giving the series much of its heart and warmth. Since the all too early demise of Firefly, Jewel has been eager to participate in Firefly reunions and parodies, including an episode of Alan Tudyk’s web series Con Man in which Staite cosplayed as Nathan Fillion’s Captain Mal Reynolds.

Now, Fillion and Staite will play opposite each other once again on Castle, and it remains to be seen what kind of chemistry the two former Firefly actors generate, as they play more grounded characters. If Castle fans exhibit a high enough reaction, the series’ showrunners may consider bringing Jewel back for more Castle episodes.

The next episode of Castle airs Monday, April 25 on ABC.

[Image by ABC]