Which ‘911: Lone Star’ cast member is opting out of season 2?
The 911: Lone Star cast is going to look a little bit different in its second season. The spinoff to the popular 911 series on Fox follows the lives of police officers, firefighters, 911 operators, and paramedics in Austin, Texas. With a diverse and charming cast led by Rob Lowe, 911: Lone Star proved to be very popular with its 10-episode first season. Needless to say, we’re eagerly awaiting season two.
Due to COVID-19, of course, the second season of the series is delayed until sometime in 2021. That’s not the only thing that has changed. Due to the current global pandemic, one of the original cast members has bowed out of the series second season. Who is? And just how will 911: Lone Star compensate for the loss of this cast member? Here’s everything you need to know.
Liv Tyler has left the building
Liv Tyler, who plays paramedic captain Michelle Blake, has exited the series. Tyler originally signed a multi-year deal with 911: Lone Star. Due to the pandemic, however, she has decided to not return for the show’s second season. This is mainly due to travel concerns. Tyler lives in London with her kids and commutes to LA to film the series. Given COVID-19, it’s really hard to logistically handle that.
And, hey, family comes first, especially when it’s the health of your kids. Based on reports, the decision is amicable. The role has not been recasted. Tim Minear, the showrunner for both 911 and 911: Lone Star, makes it clear that Tyler is more than welcome to return when she can.
In a statement, he said, “What a thrill it was having a movie star of Liv Tyler’s stature to help us launch the first season of 911: Lone Star. We loved working with Liv and will be forever indebted to her for her haunting, powerful portrayal of Michelle Blake. While we were able to tell a complete chapter in Michelle’s story, as with Connie Britton on our mothership, we also feel like there are more stories to be told. The door here will always be open for a return.”
Who will replace Tyler?
Gina Torres will join the 911: Lone Star cast for the show’s second season. She will play Paramedic Captain Tommy Vega. Vega was a paramedic “at the top of her game when she hung up her uniform to raise her twin daughters. For eight years life was great, until COVID-19 changed her life.” Both 911 and 911: Lone Star will incorporate COVID-19 storylines into their upcoming seasons.
Vega’s return is described as: “With her husband’s restaurant going under, Tommy has no choice but to re-enter the workforce to support her family. Though it breaks her heart to be apart from her little girls, Tommy will show the world that no matter how much time has passed, when she puts on that uniform, she’s still a boss.” Considering it’s Gina “Badass” Torres playing her? We’re unsurprised.
Torres is best known for her roles on Suits and Firefly. Actually, Firefly is where she previously worked with 911: Lone Star showrunner Tim Minear. So it’s definitely a mini-reunion going on here. Minear said, “I’ve been dying to write for her again ever since Firefly. Gina brings warmth, intelligence and command to everything she does. 2020 is finally looking up.”
When will 911: Lone Star return?
Fox has kept most of its scripted series off the air until 2021. It’s a strategy that a lot of networks, such as The CW, have also adopted as well. Filming is probably already underway or about to be underway for both shows. So hopefully, we’re looking at Jan. 2021 premiere date.
