According to Comicbook.com, Firehouse 51 is set to undergo significant changes with the arrival of a new chief. On Thursday, NBC announced that Dermot Mulroney (The Wedding Date, Friends, Ruthless) had been cast in the thirteenth season of Chicago Fire. Mulroney will portray Chief Dom Pascal, a character who brings a wealth of experience from his previous position as a long-time fire chief in Miami. However, Pascal is no stranger to the Chicago Fire Department; he began his firefighting career in Chicago before his tenure in Miami. As he steps into the role at Firehouse 51, Pascal’s leadership style is expected to differ from that of the beloved Chief Wallace Boden, played by Eamonn Walker (Oz, Lord Of War, Blood And Bone).
Mulroney’s addition to the cast follows Walker’s exit as a series regular in the season 12 finale, where Chief Boden was promoted to Deputy Commissioner. In the finale, Boden expressed his desire for Herrmann played by David Eigenberg (Sex And The City, Chicago Med, Garfield: The Movie) to succeed him at Firehouse 51. However, Herrmann needs to complete several steps before assuming the position. Mulroney’s role marks a significant shift for the series as it gears up for its new season. Additionally, as mentioned by Comicbook.com, in June, it was announced that Jocelyn Hudon (Romance With A Twist, From Friend To Fiancé, Safer At Home) had been promoted to a series regular. Hudon, who joined Chicago Fire in season 12 as paramedic Lyla Novak, initially hesitated to join the team but quickly became an integral member of Firehouse 51.
Also mentioned by Comicbook.com, the upcoming season of Chicago Fire isn’t the only series in the One Chicago franchise experiencing changes. Chicago Med, which was renewed alongside Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., will have new showrunner for its tenth season. Allen MacDonald (13 Reasons Why, American Gothic, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) will take the helm as co-showrunners Diane Frolov (The Sopranos, Northern Exposure, Boardwalk Empire) and Andy Schneider (The Sopranos, Northern Exposure, Magnum P.I) departed after season nine to pursue other opportunities. In a statement to Variety, Frolov and Schneider expressed their gratitude for their time on the show and their association with Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. They acknowledged the privilege of working with a talented writing staff, production team and cast, stating they would miss the collaboration.
Dick Wolf (Law And Order: SVU, Chicago Med, Chicago PD), the creator of the One Chicago franchise, also praised Frolov and Schneider for their contributions to Chicago Med, crediting them with helping to establish the show as a No.1 hit for nearly a decade. As the new season approaches, fans of Chicago Fire and the entire One Chicago franchise can look forward to fresh storylines, new leadership dynamics and continued high-stakes drama.