One of the most unexpected moments in Chicago Fire season 12 was the departure of Rome Flynn, who played firefighter Derrick Gibson. His exit, alongside several other cast changes, became a major talking point for fans. Despite speculation that Flynn left Firehouse 51 for a new opportunity, the actor recently set the record straight, revealing that his departure was not linked to his upcoming role in Godfather of Harlem.
Rome Flynn Sets the Record Straight
In a conversation with Deadline about his new project, where he plays Frank Lucas in Godfather of Harlem, Flynn explained that his exit from Chicago Fire was unrelated to his latest venture. The actor shared:
“They were not connected at all. I did not leave that show for this one. Everything just happened to turn out that way. It’s like you have your people but you won’t be with all of them forever. Sometimes, you meet a new person and you connect. I loved my time there. I love the cast and the crew, and I miss them a lot. But we all have our own journeys, and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Now, I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity because it’s giving me the chance to step into a life like I’ve never done before.”
This clarification debunks any rumors suggesting Flynn’s exit was strategic or planned, instead framing it as part of the natural ebb and flow of creative careers.
Why Derrick Gibson’s Exit Was Disappointing
Flynn’s character, Derrick Gibson, had significant potential to add depth and new dynamics to Firehouse 51. Introduced in season 12 to fill the gap left by Blake Gallo’s departure, Gibson was recruited by Stella Kidd after she witnessed his skills at another firehouse.
Though Gibson initially struggled to adjust to the close-knit team, he began to settle in, thanks in part to a budding friendship with Sam Carver. Their shared experiences suggested the duo could become the next Severide and Casey—two iconic characters whose bond defined earlier seasons of Chicago Fire. Unfortunately, Gibson left the firehouse to address personal issues before this dynamic could be fully explored.
Gibson also offered something unique for Chicago Fire: he could have been the show’s first Black core cast member since Charlie Barnett’s Peter Mills. His bond with Kylie Estevez added a familial, brother-sister dynamic that hasn’t been seen in the series for some time. Fans were left disappointed when these promising storylines were cut short.
The Future of Firehouse 51 Post-Gibson
Gibson’s departure is one of several significant exits that rocked Firehouse 51 during season 12. Alongside Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett, Flynn’s character left a noticeable void. The introduction of Jack Damon—revealed to be Benny Severide’s secret son—has offered a potential replacement, but the loss of Gibson still feels unresolved.
Despite the disappointment, Flynn’s comments leave the door open for his return. The circumstances of Gibson’s exit were written in a way that allows for future appearances, offering fans hope that the character may yet fulfill his narrative potential in season 13 or beyond.
Looking Ahead
Rome Flynn’s exit underscores the challenges of balancing fresh storylines with the departure of key players in long-running series like Chicago Fire. While fans remain optimistic about the show’s ability to navigate these transitions, Gibson’s abrupt departure highlights how much the series relies on its ensemble cast to maintain its heart.
As Flynn embarks on a new chapter in his career, fans of Chicago Fire can only hope that Firehouse 51 finds the stability it needs while keeping the door open for beloved characters to return.
