Legends of Tomorrow Season 6 has finally arrived, and Arrow-Verse fans are likely happy to have the eclectic group of superheroes back on their screens after such a lengthy hiatus. However, the new season is somewhat bittersweet, as it will mark Dominic Purcell’s last season as a regular cast member. While Purcell has confirmed that he will return to the show in a recurring capacity in Season 7, many fans were likely surprised when he confirmed he would no longer be a regular. Now, a producer has further clarified the reason for the actor breaking from the franchise.
Dominic Purcell originally announced his departure with a relatively humble message but later shared some pretty blunt thoughts that seemed to indicate he was having issues with Warner Bros. Television. But in his subsequent social media posts, he shut down that notion and indicated that he just needed to take a step back from Legends of Tomorrow. Co-showrunner Phil Klemmer shared thoughts Purcell’s on sentiments while speaking with TVLine:
I think [Dominic] summed it up pretty well — not with his first post, but with his later posts. I think everybody just needs a break from the show, myself included and even when people leave the Waverider, there’s always a seat open for people to come back. I’m looking forward to having him on the show next season.
While Phil Klemmer seemingly acknowledges that Dominic Purcell wasn’t totally smooth when it came to announcing his departure, he mostly agrees with the actor’s thoughts. Klemmer’s comments also seem to indicate that the door is indeed still open for Purcell to return to the show as a regular in the future.
Of all the Arrow-Verse shows, Legends of Tomorrow has had the most fluid cast. The show has seen massive character changes since it premiered in 2016, with Rip Hunter, Captain Cold and Kid Flash being only a few of the major players who have boarded and departed the Waverider over the years. These switch-ups have been met with varying reactions from viewers. For instance, some fans are likely still mourning the abrupt departures of Brandon Routh’s Ray Palmer and Courtney Ford’s Nora Darhk during Season 5.
Like Brandon Routh, Dominic Purcell is one of Legends of Tomorrow’s original stars, having been with the show since its debut. His Mick Rory -- a.k.a. Heat Wave -- has become one of the series’ most beloved characters, as he provides plenty of action and humor. It’s too early in the season to tell what takes Mick away from the Waverider, but it doesn't look like the producers are planning to kill him off by season’s end.
Dominic Purcell’s departure from Legends of Tomorrow is admittedly disappointing, and Heat Wave’s presence will certainly be missed. But on the bright side, fans can still look forward to one more madcap season with him as a regular cast member.
