For over a decade, Kelly Severide has been the face of Chicago Fire. As the charismatic and daring Lieutenant of Squad 3, he’s the embodiment of the show’s spirit: a fearless leader with a complex personal life. His on-again, off-again relationship with Stella Kidd, his loyalty to his team, and his unyielding commitment to the job have made him an irreplaceable part of Firehouse 51. So when news broke that a new character, Sal Vasquez, was joining the show with details that sound eerily similar to Severide’s, fans were left with a question that could define the series’ future: Is Chicago Fire trying to replace its most iconic character?
The details trickling in about the new character, played by actor Brandon Larracuente, strongly suggest that the show is attempting to fill the void left by Severide’s potential absence. While the showrunners have yet to officially confirm this, the similarities are too stark to ignore. The introduction of Sal Vasquez is a major gamble, one that could either revitalize the show or alienate its most dedicated viewers.
The Blueprint of a Hero: The Similarities to Severide
According to new details about the character, Sal Vasquez is described as a “charming” new addition to Firehouse 51. But the most telling detail is his backstory. Like Severide, Sal comes from a rich family history in the first responder world, much of it “buried” and full of secrets. This is the exact narrative blueprint that defined Severide’s character for years, with his strained relationship with his father, Benny Severide, and his complex family legacy. The parallels don’t end there.
Showrunner Andrea Newman’s comments on the new character hint at a personality that is a “real challenge” for Lieutenant Stella Kidd. This suggests that Sal is not a simple, by-the-book character. He’s likely to be a hothead, a maverick, and a source of constant friction—all traits that defined Severide’s early years. The show is not just introducing a new firefighter; it’s introducing a character designed to evoke the same kind of dynamic that made the show a hit in the first place.
This is a dangerous game for the writers to play. Severide is more than just a character; he is a part of the show’s DNA. He represents the kind of stoic heroism and quiet confidence that viewers have come to love. Trying to replicate that formula with a new actor and a new backstory runs the risk of creating a pale imitation rather than a compelling new character.
The Problem with a Direct Replacement
The idea of a one-to-one replacement is often a major misstep for long-running shows. When a beloved character leaves, the narrative solution is not to simply find a new actor to play a similar role. The reason characters like Severide become iconic is that they are uniquely written for the actor who portrays them. Taylor Kinney brought a specific kind of raw intensity and quiet charisma to the role that is impossible to replicate.
The show has a history of this. When Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) left, the show brought in Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), who, while not a direct replacement, was a new, complex character who provided a different kind of leadership. This allowed the show to evolve and explore new dynamics without feeling like it was trying to fill an empty space. A direct Severide replacement, on the other hand, puts the new character in an impossible position. He will constantly be compared to the original, and more often than not, he will fall short.
The fan backlash on social media is already a clear sign of this. Viewers are tired of cast changes and are worried about the show’s identity. Comments like “I thought they were firing actors to save money and they hire another character,” and “I’d rather they keep who they have instead of adding new characters” show a deep-seated frustration. Fans want the show they love to remain intact, and a direct replacement feels like a betrayal of the show’s core.
The Path Forward: A Complement, Not a Clone
Instead of trying to replace Severide, Chicago Fire should be focusing on how a new character can complement the existing cast. The show has a golden opportunity to introduce a new dynamic to Firehouse 51. What if the new character was a more by-the-book leader who clashes with the firehouse’s laid-back, family-first approach? What if they were a highly skilled specialist who challenges the team’s traditional methods?
The show could use this new character as a way to explore new storylines without having to fall back on old tropes. For instance, the new character could be a rival to Severide, a new love interest for a different character, or a mentor to a younger firefighter. The possibilities are endless. By trying to recreate a beloved character, the show is limiting itself to a story that has already been told.
The future of Chicago Fire lies not in a new Severide but in a new kind of hero. The show has a rich cast of characters with their own compelling stories to tell. Stella Kidd‘s leadership, Herrmann‘s mentorship, and the personal lives of Violet and Mouch are all worth exploring. The show should be looking for a new character who can enhance these existing storylines, not overshadow them.
In the end, the success of Sal Vasquez will depend on whether the writers can move past the Severide comparisons and allow the character to stand on his own. If they can give him a unique personality and a compelling storyline that is his own, he may just be able to win over the skeptical fanbase. But if they continue to present him as a direct replacement, he will always be a ghost in the shadow of a legend. The future of Chicago Fire hinges on this one crucial decision: to build on the foundation they have, rather than try to rebuild what they’ve lost.
