Why Rome Flynn Left Chicago Fire

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The Illinois-born actor Rome Flynn didn’t seem to fit smoothly into the casting changes that occurred in 2024 with the One Chicago franchise, specifically on “Chicago Fire.” Despite joining during Season 12 to boost the show’s male attractiveness due to several original cast members leaving, his character Derrick Gibson, a former boxer turned firefighter, was written off after only six episodes. It seems that Flynn didn’t choose to leave the series; instead, it was the writers who struggled to find a suitable role for him within the show’s narrative, ultimately resulting in his character being removed.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve been wondering: What has been keeping Rome Flynn busy these days, and might we see him rekindle his firefighter role in the “Chicago Fire” universe again? Here’s an inside scoop on Flynn’s brief stint on “Chicago Fire,” along with some insights as to why Derrick Gibson didn’t quite resonate with fans.

In case you missed it, Rome Flynn joined the cast of “Chicago Fire” in 2018, portraying the character Derrick Gibson, a firefighter who had a tumultuous tenure on Engine 63. Despite the promise shown by his arrival and the intriguing storylines that accompanied him, many fans didn’t find Gibson to be as captivating or essential to the show as some other characters.

Rome Flynn has since moved on to other projects, including starring in “How to Get Away with Murder” and appearing in various films and guest roles on other TV series. It remains uncertain whether he will revisit his time on “Chicago Fire,” but fans continue to hope for a return of the charismatic firefighter.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any updates regarding Rome Flynn and his potential future in the world of “Chicago Fire.” After all, who knows what surprises lie ahead in this captivating television universe?

Will Derrick Gibson return to Chicago Fire in the future?

In Season 12 of “Chicago Fire,” Derrick Gibson entered with a strong start. He was assigned to Truck 81 due to his effectiveness at fire scenes, and soon proved himself as a valuable team member. Initially, Gibson maintained a solitary demeanor, keeping his fellow firefighters at arm’s length, but his politeness, competence, and aptitude on the scene earned him respect. As the story unfolded, viewers discovered that Gibson was responsible for an accidental death during a boxing match in his past, which had weighed heavily on him over time.

In simpler terms, Flynn’s character Gibson was well-established but, regrettably, he won’t be around for much longer. It was revealed that he would leave the show in March 2024, and his last appearance will be in an episode titled “All the Dark”. However, it seems there are no plans for him to return at this moment. Yet, Flynn has expressed interest in playing Gibson again if the chance arises, stating he enjoyed the role and had a fantastic experience on “Chicago Fire”. He also showed respect for the cast, crew, and creator Dick Wolf, hoping to work with them again when the timing is ideal.

1) Rome Flynn left the team due to Gibson struggling with a prescription drug addiction and needing treatment. Michael Bradway joined the cast late in Season 12, playing Jack Damon (Kelly Severide’s half-brother), filling the role of the young male newcomer. As for Rome Flynn, he has since progressed in his acting career.

What’s Rome Flynn up to now?

Though Rome Flynn was disheartened about departing “Chicago Fire” prematurely, he’s pressing forward in his acting career. Post-firefighter days, Flynn nabbed a role in Apple TV+’s “Side Quest,” visible in the series’ second episode. This comedy anthology serves as a spin-off from the critically praised show “Mythic Quest.” Additionally, he’s landed an impressive part in a highly-regarded series: Flynn will debut as the real-life drug dealer Frank Lucas in the MGM+ show “The Godfather of Harlem” when it returns for Season 4 on April 13, 2025. He will be joining the cast during this season’s premiere.

In essence, Flynn explained to Deadline in an interview, Frank (previously portrayed by Denzel Washington in “American Gangster”) is fleeing his existence in North Carolina and seeking a more favorable life. We’ll encounter him as he disembarks from the bus in New York City, then track his progress through the city’s underworld. For Flynn, acting is all about understanding why individuals behave in certain ways at a given moment, mirroring life around us. He believes that this is the essence of our profession.

When Deadline inquired about Flynn’s departure from “Chicago Fire” to join “The Godfather of Harlem,” he clarified to the entertainment industry magazine that his exit from the role of Derrick Gibson was not related to him landing the part as Frank Lucas. He explained, “I didn’t leave that show for this one. It just so happened that things worked out that way.” Before emphasizing his affection for “Chicago Fire” and the entire team behind it, he added, “I adore the cast and crew, and I miss them dearly. However, we all have our individual paths, and I’m thankful for having been given that chance.

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2025-04-06 14:30