Well, it looks like the Waverider will be losing another key crew member next season, as Dominic Purcell, who plays the fan-favorite Mick Rory, a.k.a. Heat Wave, has announced his shocking departure from the series.
While details are still forthcoming, he released a statement late last night, where he expressed how much he loved playing the character before strongly alluding to a fallout with Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind the DC Comics series. It appears it was some sort of dispute relating to his contract for the recently announced seventh season that ultimately led him to bid farewell.
"Deal isn’t done. I have no interest. What ever cash they throw on the corporate level. Im walking away from @cw_legendsoftomorrow. It’s been a total pleasure and a humbling experience bringing @dccomics iconic character #heatwave (aka) MICK RORY to life. I smashed this character— not an actor in the world could have done better. FACT.... Such a funny [foo foo] 🤣🤣🤣........Time to move on and see how shit unfolds. @caitylotz @nickzano look after the kids coming through. They need education. They are a number— teach them to not rely on loyalty from the studio. The studio does not care. The actors work ethic and talent must give them the confidence to question authority. ....Much love to all. It’s not lost on me how very fortunate I am. .....ACTORS HIT ME UP ON DM."
With Purcell's exit, Caity Lotz (Sara Lance/White Canary) and Amy Louise Pemberton (Gideon) are the only two actors remaining from the first season. He's also the show's latest high-profile star to butt heads with the studio after fellow original cast member Brandon Routh (Ray Palmer/Atom; Clark Kent/Superman) was reportedly forced to exit the series in season five, which, by all accounts, was not his call.
With production already underway on the sixth season finale, which will be directed by former castmate Maisie Richardson-Sellers, it seems likely Purcell will be able to fulfill his current contract and wrap up season six, hopefully getting a proper goodbye for his character.
Whether a reconciliation is possible remains to be seen, but it's not looking good at the moment.
UPDATE: Purcell has updated his previous statement, clarifying that he has not fallen out with the studio, but is still leaving the show as a series regular since his six-year contract has ended. However, he says that he'll still return for a few episodes in season seven.
"AND NO BODY HAS FORCED ME TO MAKE THIS STATEMENT....God would everyone chill the [frick] out. Why are people losing their mind because I’m leaving the show. Yes my tone was heavy straight to the point. I use cus words cause I do and I’m Australian🤣It’s who I am. Do I have a beef with the studio at @warnerbrostv no. Yes I said they don’t care. That’s not correct of course they do— just me being emotional and over stuff. We work we all work in a big machine. Sometimes shit happens. It’s life. ........ here are the facts. I am leaving @cw_legendsoftomorrow on a full time basis. I will come back periodically with a handshake deal with my boss Phil Klemmer. I have and always have had a tremendous relationship with the Bosses and the studio @warnerbrostv Peter Roth and I had a tremendous working relationship I was super sad when he retired. My wording was aggressive in tone because sometimes I get frustrated and annoyed it’s been a long long heavy year locked up in #Vancouver for 9 months without going home. Who doesn’t and who hasn’t lashed out. Im [frick]in human. So for god sake chill on. “Dominic Purcell and the studio are beefing” total bullshit. It’s simply not true. I haven’t quit. My contract is up. 6 years not 7. I’ve never quit on a contract and never would. So to all the fans you will see me again next year on season 7 periodically. I hope this has clarified stuff. I must admit I was freaked the [frick] out on how much press I got or this got. But hey @cw_legendsoftomorrow hasn’t ever got as much press ever stoked!! cheers 🤣🤣🤣Apologizes for the ridiculous photo. It’s Mick trying to smile."
Also, in case you missed it, check out the official trailer and poster for season six as well as a ton of stills from the season premiere!
"Ground Control to Sara Lance" - (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A MISSING CAPTAIN - After a night of celebrating their beating the Fates, the Legends quickly discover that Sara (Caity Lotz) is missing. Trying to keep it together, the Legends are shocked to discover that she was taken by Aliens. Ava (Jes Macallan) sends Rory (Dominic Purcell) and Behrad (Shayan Sobhian) to follow a lead on who can possibly help them find Sara, while Constantine (Matt Ryan) tries to work his magic. Meanwhile, Sara does all she can to try to escape, which includes releasing Aliens into the timeline, but is shocked to learn who one of her kidnappers turns out to be. Nick Zano, Tala Ashe, Olivia Swann, Adam Tsekham and Lisseth Chavez also star. Kevin Mock directed the episode written by James Eagan & Mark Bruner (601). Original airdate 5/02/2021