And what’s next for the actor behind Derrick Gibson
When Chicago Fire Season 12 introduced Rome Flynn as Derrick Gibson, fans hoped he might fill the smoldering void left by recent high-profile cast exits. With his real-life Illinois roots, undeniable charisma, and a character backstory built for high-stakes drama, Flynn seemed like a perfect fit for Firehouse 51. But just six episodes in, Gibson was gone—leaving fans with one burning question: What happened?
🧯A Promising Start That Flickered Out Fast
Flynn’s Gibson came out of the gate with serious potential. A former boxer turned firefighter, Gibson was a quiet, competent addition to Truck 81, quickly proving his mettle on the job. Beneath the surface, though, he carried deep scars. Viewers soon learned he was haunted by a tragic incident from his boxing days—an accidental death in the ring that left him emotionally guarded and isolated.
It was a set-up that promised character growth and emotional complexity. But before audiences could see where Gibson’s journey would lead, the plug was pulled.
💬 Rome Flynn: “It wasn’t my decision.”
Flynn confirmed to Variety what fans feared: the decision to write Gibson out came from the top. “Just like all the fans, I was sad to see Gibson leave,” he shared. “He was a character I very much enjoyed playing.”
It appears that despite Flynn’s strong screen presence, the writers simply couldn’t find a long-term place for Gibson within the show’s ever-shifting dynamics. With Chicago Fire juggling departures, new arrivals, and behind-the-scenes budget constraints, Gibson became an unfortunate casualty of creative indecision.
🚪The Exit Strategy: Addiction and Rehab
In Episode 6, “All the Dark,” Gibson’s departure was finalized in classic Chicago Fire fashion—through a deeply personal, redemptive twist. After struggling in silence, Gibson develops a dependency on prescription medication. Recognizing the danger, he steps away from the job to enter treatment.
While abrupt, the send-off was respectful, leaving the door cracked open for a potential return. And Flynn hasn’t ruled that out. “I had a wonderful experience during my time on Chicago Fire and have great respect for the cast and crew,” he told Variety. “I’d love to team up with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”
🔄 Replaced But Not Forgotten
After Gibson’s exit, Chicago Fire quickly filled the rookie role with Jack Damon (Michael Bradway)—revealed to be none other than Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) half-brother. It was a dramatic twist, but it also marked the end of the road for Gibson, at least for now.
Still, fans can’t help but wonder if there’s more to explore in Gibson’s story, especially with Flynn so game to return. For now, that possibility remains on the back burner.
🎭 Rome Flynn’s Career Is Heating Up
Flynn didn’t stay idle for long. The actor, known for his standout roles on How to Get Away with Murder and With Love, has already lined up high-profile gigs post-Fire.
He’ll appear in Apple TV+’s “Side Quest”, a spin-off of the hit series Mythic Quest, and is also set to play Frank Lucas—yes, that Frank Lucas—in Season 4 of MGM+’s The Godfather of Harlem, premiering April 13, 2025.
Flynn’s portrayal will chronicle the early years of the real-life drug kingpin, offering a fresh, complex take on a character previously immortalized by Denzel Washington in American Gangster.
“This is about escaping your past, reinventing yourself, and the choices people make to survive,” Flynn told Deadline. “That’s the real heart of acting to me—reflecting life back to the audience.”
✌️ No Burned Bridges
Despite the short run, Flynn holds no bitterness toward the Chicago Fire family. “I didn’t leave that show for this one. Everything just happened to turn out that way,” he explained. “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.”
