Sony Pictures Television has confirmed that the decision to include original S.W.A.T. cast members in the upcoming spinoff, S.W.A.T.: Exiles, is still being determined. While Shemar Moore returns as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, industry insiders reveal that executives are actively exploring the possibility of bringing back other fan favorites—either full-time, part-time, or in cameo roles.
🎭 The Cast Left Out — For Now
Originally, only Moore was announced to reprise his role. This stirred disappointment among core cast members:
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David Lim (Officer Tan) described feeling “brushed aside” when he discovered the spinoff through media rather than internal channelsnypost.com+15ew.com+15geeksided.com+15movieguide.org+15people.com+15tvinsider.com+15tvinsider.com.
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Jay Harrington (Deacon Kay) expressed the same feeling of exclusion, stating that even Moore reached out privately before the formal announcement dailygossip.info+5tvinsider.com+5nypost.com+5.
These comments revealed hurt from being absent in early talks, signaling creative and communication gaps.
📺 Sony Execs Confirm Talks Are Ongoing
Sony TV Chairman Keith LeGoy shared at the Banff TV Festival that:
“We would love to have other family members involved in some way… that’s something we are still figuring out.” forbes.com+6tvinsider.com+6fox41yakima.com+6
Sony TV President Katherine Pope echoed this, expressing a desire to include “favorites” as a way to preserve the S.W.A.T. universe reddit.com+10people.com+10dailygossip.info+10.
🤔 Why This Casting Debate Matters
Continuity for Fans
Including familiar faces from the original show fosters a seamless transition and satisfies fans craving nostalgia, avoiding the cold cut to a brand-new lineup.
Healing Cast Relations
After public disappointment from Lim and Harrington, bringing back cast members could help restore goodwill and recognition for their contributions.
Creative Options, Flexible Roles
Sony is weighing logistics—actors’ availability, story arcs, budget, and narrative relevance—as they explore whether to include cast fully, occasionally, or selectively.
🎬 How It Could Play Out on Screen
Full-Time Re-Appearances
Original characters like Tan or Deacon could return as recurring team members or mentors, bridging old and new S.W.A.T.culture.
Guest Cameos or Specials
Short arcs featuring tension or closure among original teammates could add emotional depth—perfect for fan-pleasing redemption or resolution moments.
Director or Advisor Roles
Cast like Harrington has expressed openness to returning behind the camera, offering both creative continuity and emotional resonancepeople.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5ew.com+5movieguide.org+3dailygossip.info+3geeksided.com+3tvinsider.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
🎯 The Sony Strategy: Balancing Freshness with Legacy
Sony’s approach helps maintain the original essence while fostering a fresh ensemble:
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Preserve headliner—Moore anchors as Hondo.
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Honor original team—possible member returns prevent alienation.
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Keep story lean—focus on intern recruits, with believable connections to the franchise’s history.
Production Logistics
Exiles has a 10-episode order and resumes filming summer 2025 in LA. Sony can adjust character rosters based on filming schedules and broadcast partnerships nypost.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15cinemaexpress.com+15.
💬 Cast Perspective: Limb, Harrington & Fans React
David Lim shared his pain:
“It felt like we were brushed aside… there could’ve been a moment of reflection”nypost.com+6ew.com+6tvguide.com+6.
Jay Harrington acknowledged the industry realities but warned:
“It’s a fine line between ‘owed’ and ‘just let me know’… there wasn’t even a mention”nypost.com+8tvinsider.com+8nypost.com+8.
Both remain open to returning—acting or directing—if approached in a respectful and creative manner.
✅ Final Take
Sony’s statement that they’re still figuring out which original cast members to include strikes a strategic chord. It leaves doors open for fan favorites to return while maintaining focus on Hondo’s next chapter. This thoughtful balance could define Exiles as both a fresh start and a respectful continuation of the S.W.A.T. legacy.
📌 FAQs
Q1: Is anyone besides Shemar Moore officially confirmed for Exiles?
No other cast members are confirmed yet. However, Sony execs say they’re open to including more original cast in varying capacitiesen.wikipedia.org+12ew.com+12nypost.com+12amazing.celebhot.com+15people.com+15dailygossip.info+15.
Q2: Why were original cast members upset?
They were surprised to learn about the spinoff via news outlets rather than internal communication—especially soon after the finale ew.com+6tvinsider.com+6ew.com+6.
Q3: Could Jay Harrington return?
Harrington has expressed interest in appearing—either acting or directing—if a meaningful opportunity arisestvinsider.com.
Q4: How many cast members will return?
Sony hasn’t decided. They’re evaluating whether to bring back all, some, or only a few characters based on story fit .
Q5: When does Exiles begin filming and where will it air?
Filming starts summer 2025 in Los Angeles. Broadcast or streaming partners aren’t confirmed yetew.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4people.com+4.
