‘Castle’ Spoilers: Kate Beckett May Be Killed Off In Season Finale After Stana Katic’s Unexpected Exit From Show
The Castle spoilers are pointing to a shocking exit for Kate Beckett, who may be killed off in the season finale after the network decided to give actress Stana Katic the boot this week.
Fans were hit with the news that Katic would not be returning next season, with actress Tamala Jones departing as well. There had long been rumors that Katic may be leaving, but the news still came as a shock to the show’s longtime fans.
“Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past eight years,” the network said in a statement (via Us Weekly). “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.”
It is not yet clear what will happen with Katic’s Kate Beckett character, but some early spoilers indicate that she may die in the season finale. Celeb Dirty Laundry threw out the potential Castle finale spoiler that Kate Beckett will be a victim of the dangers surrounding the LokSat case that has dragged on throughout the season.
TVLine interviewed Castle’s showrunner, who hinted that Kate Beckett could be killed off to end this season.
“How might Beckett be written out? In a new interview with TVLine, co-showrunner Alexi Hawley said that with both Katic’s and Nathan Fillion’s contracts up, the Season 8 finale airing May 16 ends ‘in a very dynamic way which leaves open the possibility that maybe the show won’t come back in the same form.’ In that season ender, titled ‘Crossfire,’ a twist in Rick and Kate’s final pursuit of the high-powered drug lord known as LokSat ‘puts their case — and their lives —in jeopardy,’ seemingly allowing the series the option to kill off the intrepid NYPD police captain.”
Whatever happens, showrunners will likely need to find a way to slide Beckett out of the show while still keeping the character’s husband, Richard Castle.
Stana Katic has been diplomatic about her exit from Castle, which is reportedly over budgetary concerns.
“Rather than 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,” Katic said in a statement. “Thank you to the fans.”
Stana Katic’s departure is hitting hard for the show’s stars, with some taking to the internet to share their sadness about the decision not to bring her back.
“Castle has been one of the greatest joys of my creative life, and I hope the show continues on for years to come,” tweeted star Nathan Fillion. “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.
.@NathanFillion on @Stana_Katic's ‘Castle’ exit https://t.co/HHmw5477tg
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) April 19, 2016
“I wish her well, and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues. She will be missed.”
Fans have taken her exit hard as well, with many of them posting tributes to Kate Beckett online.
Thank *you* @Stana_Katic, you've left your mark on all of us and we'll never forget Katherine Houghton Beckett. pic.twitter.com/YYFjjx1BMN
— laura (@sharpcbjects) April 19, 2016
Fans who want to know if the Castle spoilers are true and Kate Beckett will really be killed off still have a few more weeks to wait. This season’s final episode, titled “Crossfire,” is set to air May 16.
[Image via ABC]
