When Boston Blue announced that actor Mika Amonsen would be stepping into the role of Sean Reagan—a key member of the Reagan legacy—fans had a lot to say. For many longtime Blue Bloods viewers, Sean represented one of the final “next generation” anchors of the iconic franchise. So the news that the character would be recast for the upcoming spinoff sparked immediate debate, social-media storms, and passionate defenses from both sides.
Now, Amonsen is finally addressing the backlash—and his response is thoughtful, direct, and surprisingly candid.
“I Knew It Would Be Controversial”
In a recent interview about Boston Blue, Amonsen admitted that he wasn’t blindsided by the reaction. If anything, he was prepared for it.
“I stepped into a very beloved universe,” he said.
“People grew up with Sean. They watched him become part of the Reagan family story. So yeah, I knew it would be controversial.”
Rather than shy away from the criticism, the actor acknowledged fans’ emotional attachment to the original portrayal. Sean Reagan had always been one of the show’s quieter but symbolically important characters—the youngest Reagan male, navigating adolescence under the weight of a multigenerational law-enforcement family.
Replacing that kind of familiarity was never going to be easy.
Why the Recasting Happened
Producers behind Boston Blue revealed that the decision was driven by the needs of the spinoff. The new series jumps ahead in time, exploring an older, more seasoned version of Sean transitioning from the legacy he inherited into the officer he chooses to become.
The studio wanted a fresh face capable of capturing the intensity, idealism, and quiet internal conflicts of a young Reagan stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
Amonsen’s range, physicality, and on-screen maturity fit the direction the writers were aiming for.
But as many fans pointed out online, understanding a casting decision doesn’t automatically mean accepting it.
Facing the Fan Backlash Head-On
Amonsen says that the strongest comments were never about him personally—they were about loyalty.
“People kept saying, ‘We just want Sean to feel like Sean,’” he recalled.
“And honestly, I get that. You don’t erase a decade of attachment overnight.”
Instead of reacting defensively, he took the criticism as a creative challenge.
He dove deep into the original series, studying Sean’s evolution from childhood to early adulthood, paying attention to subtle details: the way he carried himself at the Reagan dinner table, his quiet observant nature, his occasional rebellion, and the warmth he held toward his family.
Amonsen says he wanted to capture the essence of Sean—even if the spinoff version would be older, tougher, and shaped by new experiences.
“I’m Not Replacing Anyone—I’m Continuing a Story”
One line from the interview has already begun circulating among fans:
“I’m not replacing anyone. I’m continuing a story that belongs to all of us who love this universe.”
The actor emphasized that the spinoff is meant to honor Blue Bloods rather than overwrite it.
He views Sean as a bridge character—someone who carries the Reagan values into a new era of policing while confronting modern challenges that the original show could only touch on in its final years.
Co-Stars Are Supporting the Transition
Several cast members from Boston Blue and the original Blue Bloods reportedly reached out with encouragement. Some even praised the boldness of his take on Sean.
While no official crossovers have been confirmed, Amonsen hinted that certain original cast members may appear in the spinoff—something he believes will help longtime fans accept the new portrayal.
“If the Reagan family shows up at the right moments, it’ll feel like home,” he teased.
A New Sean for a New Chapter
In Boston Blue, Sean is no longer a teenager navigating high-school drama. He is a young officer facing:
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the expectations of a powerful family legacy
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the weight of real danger on the streets of Boston
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moral conflicts that challenge the Reagan code
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the pressure of evolving beyond the shadow of his father and grandfather
Amonsen’s Sean is more complex, more layered, and more central to the show’s moral backbone.
Fans Are Slowly Warming Up
While backlash was loud early on, the tone of online discussion has already shifted. Fans praised the authenticity of Amonsen’s interview, his respect for the original show, and the intensity he brings to early stills from the spinoff.
Some comments now read:
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“Okay… I can see it. He has the Reagan energy.”
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“If he respects Sean that much, I’m willing to give him a chance.”
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“Boston Blue might surprise us.”
It’s clear that the spinoff still has a long road ahead, but the early openness from its new star is winning over skeptics.
Conclusion: A Recasting Built on Respect, Not Replacement
Mika Amonsen’s response to the backlash shows exactly why he was chosen: he understands the emotional weight of the Reagan name, the expectations of Blue Bloods fans, and the responsibility of stepping into a character with legacy attached to every line of dialogue.
His message to the audience is simple:
“Give me a season—then decide.”
And judging by early reactions, many fans are willing to do just that.
