SHOCK REPLACEMENT?! Tom Holland or Austin Butler Eyeing Squad 3 as Taylor Kinney Exit Rumors Explode

It’s the news no One Chicago fan wanted to hear, but everyone is talking about. After years of “leaves of absence” and mysterious arson investigations taking him away from Firehouse 51, Taylor Kinney’s future as Kelly Severide is hanging by a very thin thread.

But as the “Severide Era” potentially draws to a close, Hollywood insiders are buzzing about a replacement strategy that would change the face of network television forever. We’re talking about a “Movie Star Pivot.”

The Contender: Tom Holland (The High-Octane Hero)

Could the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s favorite webslinger be swapping his suit for bunker gear? Sources suggest that Tom Holland is looking to ground his career in a gritty, long-form drama.

• The Draw: Holland’s athleticism is a perfect match for the physical demands of Squad 3.

• The “Twist”: Bringing in Holland wouldn’t just be a casting choice; it would be a global event. Imagine the “Peter Parker” charm meeting the smoke and grit of a Chicago winter. It would instantly lower the average age of the viewership and bring a new, frantic energy to the rescues.

The Rival: Austin Butler (The Soulful Maverick)

If Holland brings the energy, Austin Butler brings the intensity. Following his Oscar-nominated turn as Elvis, Butler has become the go-to for roles that require a brooding, smoldering presence—something Severide fans are very accustomed to.

• The Draw: Butler has that “old-school” Hollywood gravity. He could play a younger, perhaps more volatile relative or a transfer from an elite New York squad.

• The “Twist”: Butler’s “Method” approach would mean a transformation into a real-life firefighter. Fans are already imagining the chemistry (or friction) between a Butler-led Squad and Jason Beghe’s Voight over on Chicago P.D.

Why Now? The Taylor Kinney “Exit Factor”

The rumors of Taylor Kinney’s exit aren’t new, but they’ve gained explosive momentum in 2026. With Severide’s character currently embroiled in a high-stakes Internal Affairs investigation led by Chief Hopkins, the narrative “off-ramp” is already paved.

If Severide is forced out or chooses to leave to protect Stella Kidd, the vacuum left behind would be massive. A “Shock Replacement” of this caliber is the only way NBC could keep the ratings from plummeting after losing their leading man.

The Fandom Divided: “No One Can Replace Kelly”

The reaction online has been a mix of excitement and grief. One fan tweeted: “Tom Holland in a fire helmet? Take my money. But my heart stays with Severide.” The consensus seems to be that while Holland and Butler are massive gets for the One Chicago universe, the shoes of Kelly Severide are nearly impossible to fill.

The Verdict: A New Chapter or the Beginning of the End?

Whether it’s the high-flying stunts of Holland or the deep, gravelly charisma of Butler, the message from NBC is clear: One Chicago is evolving. The transition from a veteran-led procedural to a star-studded blockbuster drama is a risky gamble. If Kinney leaves, the “heartbeat” of the show changes forever. But with names like these in the mix, the fire might just burn brighter than ever.

What’s your call? If Taylor Kinney officially hangs up the helmet, would you rather see the youthful energy of Tom Holland or the brooding intensity of Austin Butler leading Squad 3?

Sound off in the comments—the future of Firehouse 51 is at stake!