Riverdale's Skeet Ulrich and Marisol Nichols will not return for season 5
24 February 2020, 11:18
FP Jones and Hermione Lodge will not be returning for Riverdale season 5 - and now fans are speculating that there's going to be a huge time jump.
Riverdale will be saying goodbye to two huge parental figures at the end of season 4 as Skeet Ulrich and Marisol Nichols have confirmed that they will be leaving the show. They will not be returning when season 5 airs in October 2020.
In statements made exclusively to TV Line, it was confirmed yesterday (Feb 23) that both Skeet Ulrich (who plays FP Jones) and Marisol Nichols (who plays Hermione Lodge) are set to leave the show at the end of season 4.
READ MORE: Is Cole Sprouse leaving Riverdale? Is Jughead actually dead?
Nichols has been a series regular since the first episode. Ulrich first appeared in the fourth episode of the first season and was promoted to series regular ahead of season 2.
In a statement, Ulrich said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made on Riverdale, and I will miss seeing everyone on a daily basis. I’m proud to have been part of such a talented group of people, in front of the camera and behind. But I’ve decided that it’s time for me to move on to explore other creative opportunities.”
He also took to Instagram to thank fans for their support. "I can’t even begin to thank you all for the unwavering support and love!! It is remarkable and deeply appreciated," he wrote alongside a baby picture of himself. "I may be leaving Riverdale but my experience over the last four years will never leave my heart. A very special thanks to @writerras for giving me this opportunity."
Nichols also made a statement following the news of her departure, saying: "I had an incredible time bringing Hermione Lodge to life and working with my amazing cast, who became family. We had so many wonderful times together during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We really do have the best fans ever. I am looking forward to the next chapter and am excited about the future."
Riverdale creator and show-runner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa also released a statement: "Part of life in Riverdale — and part of growing up — is saying goodbye to people. I’m grateful to Skeet and Marisol for their incredible work on the show these last four years, and we all wish them well on their future endeavours. F.P. and Hermione will never be far from our hearts. And, of course, they’re always welcome back in Riverdale."
Okay, it’s official. Best fans ever. Been reading all ur tweets. Tku for the love & support. We’re still filming Riverdale till April so still more to come, and then 1 month till #spiral #saw movie comes out! Beyond excited. Nothing but ❤️ for all of u.😍
— Marisol Nichols (@marisolnichols) February 24, 2020
Judging by that statement, it sounds like neither of the two characters will be killed off. Fans have already been speculating that Riverdale season 5 will feature a considerable time jump that will see the teen characters skip over the college years and head straight into their twenties.
So far, no other cast departures have been announced but fans are expecting to hear news about series regulars Mädchen Amick (Alice Smith) and Mark Consuelos (Hiram Lodge), as well as recurring stars Molly Ringwald (Mary Andrews), Martin Cummins (Tom Keller) and Nathalie Boltt (Penelope Blossom). Robin Givens, who plays Josie’s mum Sierra McCoy, will guest star on Katy Keene in the near future.
The cast are still shooting season 4, with filming expected to wrap in April. The season finale will likely air in May, so start saying your goodbyes now, and also...
Justice for Falice.
