Grey's Anatomy: Will Owen Hunt Be Gone? Kevin McKidd's New Movie Could Mean Less Screen Time

Owen Hunt Possibly Taking a Break From Grey Sloan Memorial

Get ready for a change at Grey Sloan Memorial, Grey's Anatomy aficionados! Owen Hunt on Grey's Anatomy actor Kevin Mckidd may have less screen time in season 21 according a recent update regarding filming for a BBC Studios drama movie. This news follows other significant developments for the running show.

The Hollywood strikes already affected Season 20, so producing a shorter, ten-episode run. Meredith Grey's actress Ellen Pompeo said she would be leaving the show and appearing less regularly. Additionally not returning full-time are several other major cast members including Midori Francis (Mika Yasuda) and Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt).

McKidd Starring on a BBC Project

What then is McKidd's busyness caused by? He is starring in the BBC Studios adaptation of The Primrose Railway Children, a contemporary retelling of E. Nesbit's venerable tale. The series will be filmed on Scotland, thus he might miss some Grey's Anatomy season 21 filming.

Budget cuts and conflicting scheduling

Budget cuts affecting Grey's Anatomy also mean the show is scheduling a shorter 18-episode season. These budgetary cuts could be deliberately used by the show to lower the regular episode count of its actors. Owen Hunt might not be showing up in every Grey's Anatomy season 21 episode even without McKidd's filming obligations for The Primrose Railway Children.

Grey's Anatomy Creating the Framework for Transformational Change

Already, Grey's Anatomy has started to set the stage for these developments. Owen and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) were heating up their romance even as the season 20 finale included a wildfire. Additionally firing several doctors, including Owen, Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) left the door open for some major season 21 changes.

Will Owen Still Be Present?

Owen Hunt might still be a part of Grey's Anatomy even with these developments, just in a somewhat smaller capacity. Owen's inclination to change from surgery to teaching triage classes could be used in the show to provide him less screen time.

Grey's Anatomy season 21 promises to be quite different from the last one overall. Owen Hunt's future is dubious given budget cuts, cast departures, and new filming schedules for some of the actors. Grey's Anatomy is clearly still vibrant, though, and fans are eager to find out what's ahead.