'Criminal Minds' Season 12 Updates: Major Cast Revamp in New Season Due to Gibson's Dismissal; Paget Brewster Eyed As His Replacement?
Paget Brewster was supposed to return for only a few episodes in "Criminal Minds" Season 12, but she might have to stay for a few more.
CBS has officially begun the search for Thomas Gibson's replacement on "Criminal Minds" Season 12. Gibson has portrayed the role of Aaron Hotchner until the previous season. Reports say that the network is currently looking for two potential cast members. One is reported to be Hotch's replacement as Behavioral Analyst Unit (BAU) Chief. The details of the second character are still under wraps.
Second altercation incident
Much to the shock of "Criminal Minds", Gibson was fired following an altercation with writer-producer Virgil Williams, while filming an episode for the upcoming season. Gibson reportedly kicked Williams in the shin during a heated argument. The incident was witnessed by several people on the set, which included show runner Erica Messer.
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Truth is, it is not the first time that Gibson got into trouble for assaulting a crew member of "Criminal Minds". A few seasons back, Gibson was given a warning after he attacked an assistant director.
Gibson's dismissal
The incident last month did not go as well as it did the first time. CBS and ABC Studios issued a joint statement that announced Gibson's dismissal from the show. The statement also said that creative details of Hotch's exit were to be addressed and announced at a later date. So far, no announcement has yet been made in this regard.
According to reports that came out after the release of the statement, the beleaguered actor has hired a top Los Angeles law firm to file possible claims against the producers for his dismissal from "Criminal Minds". Famous entertainment lawyer Skip Miller and partner Sasha Frid will reportedly represent Gibson in the lawsuit.
Another actor also exited the series a few episodes before the "Criminal Minds" Season 11 finale. Shemar Moore, who played the popular character Derek Morgan, assured, however, that he was open to making guest appearances from time to time. Perhaps with Gibson's unexpected dismissal, Moore may be back sooner and appear more often than originally planned.
New and returning cast members
While the search for the replacement for Gibson is in full swing, it has been reported that "CSI: Miami" star Adam Rodriguez has been signed on to play new BAU Agent Luke Alvez in "Criminal Minds" Season 12. It was earlier announced that Asha Tyler was promoted to series regular status, playing the character of Dr. Tara Lewis. Tyler is considered to be Moore's replacement.
Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss, will also be returning in what was supposed to be a multi-episode arc in "Criminal Minds" Season 12. However, the writers made a quick plan to bring Paget back for even more episodes due to Gibson's dismissal. Her character, Prentiss, is one of the most qualified members of the BAU. In the storyline, Prentiss was promoted away from the team.
Aside from the new cast members and Paget, "Criminal Minds" Season 12 can still bank on its returning cast members such as Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, Joe Manyegna as David Rossi, Kristen Vangness as Penelope Garcia, and A.J.Cook as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau.
Season premiere
The premiere episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 will air on September 28 on CBS.
