The CW series All American is losing a cast member. According to Deadline, actor Daniel Ezra (Murdered By My Boyfriend) will be departing the series after playing the role of Spencer James for six years. It has now been confirmed that he will not be returning for the upcoming season seven.
While Deadline confirmed the news that Ezra will not be returning and his time playing Spencer James is coming to a close, it was also confirmed that the actor is still set to make guest appearances on the show.
On Monday’s episode of All American, viewers finally got to see Spencer fulfill his dream and get drafted into the NFL. This follows a storyline during the NFL Draft Day where Spencer was not initially chosen in the first round. Along with this storyline, the latest episode depicst a time jump that shows Spencer living his dream and playing at the Super Bowl before popping the question and proposing to his girlfriend Olivia. Deadline also reported that the final two episodes of season six in which Ezra will make his final appearance, will be focused on Spencer and Olivia planning their wedding.
The departure of Ezra did not stem from any budget trims of any sort but as a creative decision made by the actor and the showrunner of the series Nkechi Okoro Carrol (Found). Ezra gave a statement to Deadline expressing his feelings and sentiments towards leaving the series.
“After making the difficult decision to leave All American, my sole focus became completing the journey of the most life-affirming character I’ve ever played in the manner he deserves. Thanks to Nkechi and the writers, I got my wish. Season six is ‘Spencer’s Goodbye.’ I’ll miss him. I’ll miss our cast and crew. I hope it’s been as fun to watch him as it has been to play him,” Ezra said.
In the same vein, Okoro Carrol also made a statement to Deadline. He said, “Partnering with Daniel Ezra over the last six seasons to bring Spencer’s story to life has been such an amazing, fulfilling, experience. Daniel truly is a gift and brought so much to the character on and off the field. And while Spencer has achieved his NFL dreams, I’m grateful Daniel will still remain an important part of this family, both in front of and behind the camera as we step into a new, exciting chapter of All American.”