Why Thomas Gibson left Criminal Minds?
After 12 seasons on the main cast of Criminal Minds, FBI Agent Aaron Hotchner actor Thomas Gibson was let go from the show suddenly. Here is the rationale.
criminal minds cast changes: Aaron Hotchner's departure
Actor Thomas Gibson was let go from Criminal Minds after twelve seasons; FBI Special Agent Aaron Hotchner wrote out of the show. While actors decided to leave the long-running production behind to pursue outside interests, the FBI cast of The Criminal Minds rotated rather frequently, this was not the case for Thomas Gibson. Aaron Hotchner was not formally written out until episode 6, season 12. Hotch left Criminal Minds since the serial killer stalking his son entered the Witness Protection Program. Eventually, he decided instead of going back to the Bau to be Jack's full-time father.
Suspension of Thomas Gibson: An On-Set Altercation
Thomas Gibson's on-set physical altercation with one of the writer-producers resulted in his suspension from the Criminal Minds cast in 2016 Gibson expressed public regret for the incident following his suspension, clarifying that the argument stemmed from creative differences regarding an episode he was directing. According to an official statement on Gibson's suspension from the Criminal Minds team, it was observed he had earlier gotten into a conflict with one of the assistant directors, resulting in required anger management therapy (via Deadline). Still, many Criminal Minds viewers want to know whether Hotch could come back given the situation.
The Reasons Thomas Gibson Actually Left Criminal Minds
Thomas Gibson left Criminal Minds in 2016 after being let go; although there was one incident that led to his suspension, his on-set behavior had apparently been problematic for some time. It makes sense it took four episodes to formally write out the character since continuing his role as Agent Hotchner was still under discussion in the two weeks of his suspension.
The Career of Thomas Gibson Following Criminal Minds
Gibson has only shown up in two projects since Criminal Minds season 12. Past incidents of Thomas Gibson's explosive behavior—many sources characterized his inclinations as anger-prone—weighed heavily in the decision to fire him from Criminal Minds (via Variety). After the firing, the actor either struggled to land roles or took a screen break. Gibson only starred in two projects since Criminal Minds season 12: The 2019 TV film Shadow Wolves and a voice role in the 2017 film Axis.
Statement of Thomas Gibson on Leaving Criminal Minds
After being let go from the show, Thomas Gibson spoke with Us Weekly and it was abundantly evident that he sorely missed being able to carry on as Hotch.
For the past twelve years, I have poured my heart and soul into Criminal Minds. Though it would not be feasible now, I had hoped to see it through to the very end. I would want to thank the writers, producers, performers, our incredible crew, most importantly, the best fans a show could ever hope to have.
Criminal Minds Free from Agent Hotchner
Hotch leaving Criminal Minds presented creative challenges for the show, even if Gibson's firing was required to safeguard the on-set culture of the show and the studio's liability for repeated incidents. Along with another original cast member leaving the show, Hotch left Criminal Minds at the end of season 11. Derek Morgan actor Shemar Moore left as well. Losing two of the last five remaining original Criminal Minds characters in such a short period ran the danger of a drop for the popular series. Criminal Minds is still running strong, though, despite the cast change-up.
Could Thomas Gibson comeback in Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Agent Hotchner could not be killed off, thus there is no reason he cannot be included on the returning cast for Criminal Minds: Evolution, Paramount+ reboot. Thomas Gibson's chances of returning to perform, however, are hardly existable. Gibson's legacy with the show is fairly safe to say is well and truly over; there is no real narrative reason to bring back even a recast Hotchner. Gibson's reputation suffered greatly as a result of his negative interactions with other Criminal Minds cast members as well as the crew.
Gibson left Criminal Minds in 2016; although some cast and crew members from that era have since left the show, many still remain and most likely would not be open to considering a Hotchner return. Allegedly, Thomas Gibson was erratic on set, even becoming violent. The studio has little incentive to rebuild those burned ties for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, even if mediation and resolution were feasible; he has also not done any notable work since. Gibson left Criminal Minds in 2016; although some cast and crew members from that era have since left the show, many remain and would most likely not be open to a Hotchner return.
The likelihood Thomas Gibson will be among the returning Bau alumni in the Paramount+ reboot is almost entirely nonexistent since there is not particularly demand from Criminal Minds viewers to see him back.
Season 16 Shows Criminal Minds Still Not Need Agent Hotchner
Criminal Minds: Evolution turned out successful without Thomas Gibson. Garcia, JJ, Rossi, Prentiss, Dr. Tara Lewis, and Alvez are the main cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution currently consists of While some of these characters joined later in Criminal Minds, most of the main cast is back for season 16 and it's shown to be a significant comeback after all.
Prentiss eventually replaced Hotch for her work advocating the Bau against Deputy Director Bailey. It's obvious Thomas Gibson's Agent Hotch isn't missed in the same manner Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid is missing as the series runs on.
What Thomas Gibson Said About Being Let Go From Criminal Minds
Thomas Gibson told his side of the story following his dismissal from Criminal Minds. He clarified that the script included a line contradicting earlier events in the episode. Thomas Gibson claimed to have mentioned it to writer-producer Virgil Williams, but he was informed it had to remain in the script. Gibson (via PEOPLE) claims he went back to the cast and the producer:
[Williams] entered that room and began to approach me. My foot came up and tapped him on the leg as he passed me.
If Thomas Gibson hadn't moved, Virgil Williams would have run into him, according to Gibson. Gibson said he had some "choice words" with Williams following that, and he apologies the following day. Gibson claimed, however, that he returned home following that scene and never returned to Criminal Minds since the production suspended him following that incidence:
"I feel it took years to build a good reputation and a minute to destroy it."
What Thomas Gibson Has Done Following Criminal Minds
Thomas Gibson has only worked on a few other projects since leaving Criminal Minds. Between concentrating on his family, travel, and the actor's strike, it seems there hasn't been much projects he has chosen to participate in or casting directors have been less likely to cast him knowing he was fired from a big project.
One of those projects came out in 2017. One of his Criminal Minds costars, Aisha Tyler debuted feature directorally with the Axis funded by Kickstarter. The film tracked an actor in his car for all the action, but left many voice parts to be recorded since the actor answered phone calls and listened to the radio all through the film. Gibson and many of his former Criminal Minds costars contributed vocals to the project. Along with Gibson, Tyler personally, Paget Brewster, Kristen Vangsness, and Adam Rodriguez, all did voice work for the film.
Shadow Wolves, made for TV, debuted in 2019. Gibson portrayed Colonel Branson, the head of a covert NSA division that hired renegade troops and agents to carry out orders. Though it's more well-known for earning Xochitl Gomez, who would later play America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a Young Artist award, the film didn't do especially well.
Gibson is attached to The Writer's Bible in addition to those two projects. About a writer who visits a remote cabin in search of inspiration for his work, he developed the narrative for the project and stars in it. It is still to be published.
Gibson's foray into the world of Cameo, which lets fans interact personally with celebrities to buy recorded messages, also suggests he might still want to go back to Criminal Minds. Gibson has not publicly talked about the series very often, but he has freely responded to inquiries about his character and time on the show given by viewers on the platform. There’s always the possibility that years after the event that led to his firing, things have changed, and he could potentially return to his best-known role, though the show would need a good reason for his return.
