Two Chicago Fire actors have announced that they are leaving the NBC drama television series before the season 12 premiere, meaning that one character whose fate was left hanging in the balance in the season 11 finale will likely survive. Following the conclusion of the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes, the cast and crew of Chicago Fire have been hard at work filming the upcoming episodes. Sadly, two characters will say goodbye to the Windy City in season 12.
The Chicago Fire season 11 finale featured a handful of cliffhangers that viewers have been stewing over since it aired in May 2023. Stella Kidd left Chicago to find Kelly Severide and bring him home. Matt Casey unexpectedly proposed to Sylvie Brett after the two broke up at the beginning of the season due to the long distance putting a strain on their relationship. Finally, Randall “Mouch” McHolland was struck by shrapnel from bullets during a call and had to have emergency surgery. It was initially successful, but Mouch started coding at the end of the hour.
Brett & Gallo’s Exits Likely Confirm Mouch Survives In Season 12
Kara Killmer, who plays Brett, and Alberto Rosende, who plays Blake Gallo, are exiting Chicago Fire during the upcoming season, which is a good sign for Christian Stolte’s Mouch. It was unlikely that Mouch would die during the season 12 premiere, anyway, because of Stolte’s longevity on the show and his character’s popularity. But the announcements surrounding the departure of two other prominent cast members indicate that Mouch will live to see another day (or season) because it’s improbable that three beloved characters will leave Chicago Fire. Of course, nothing is confirmed, and fans will have to tune in to the premiere to learn Mouch’s fate.
How Will Brett & Gallo Leave Chicago Fire?
Chicago Fire season 11 ended with Casey proposing to Brett, so the reasoning behind her leaving the NBC drama is seemingly evident (although it is unconfirmed). Brett will likely agree to marry Casey and move herself and her new baby, Julia, to Oregon to be with her fiancé. It’s unclear which episode will be Killmer’s swan song, but the audience will have to say goodbye to her sometime in season 12.
Like Brett, Gallo will be leaving Chicago in a future episode. However, unlike Brett, it’s difficult to understand why and how Gallo will exit the television series. Season 11 included a brief storyline with Gallo’s troubled aunt, so perhaps his leaving Firehouse 51 will be related to her. Or, perhaps the Chicago Fire season 12 premiere will contain a death after all.