'Castle' Season 8 Update: Renewed, Co-Showrunners Announced But Stana Katic's Return Status Still A Mystery

ABC has officially confirmed that “Castle” will be returning with Season 8 this fall. The names of the co-showrunners, who will be taking over the reins from David Amann, have also been announced. But Stana Katic’s return is still shrouded in uncertainty, as she has still to sign on her new contract.

Earlier in April, it was announced that Amann is exiting “Castle” after serving its showrunner for one season. He had taken over the responsibility from “Castle” creator Andrew Marlowe after Season 6 wrapped up.

Now, ABC has announced that Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter are stepping in as the new showrunners for “Castle.” In the past, the two have served as a producer on “Castle” as well as have written its episodes. ABC announced Hawley’s name after NBC axed his show “State of Affairs” after one season. Winter has been with “Castle” for more than 125 episodes, according to The Hollywood Reporter (THR). Hawley was part of the series as co-producer and writer from 2009 to 2012.

Meanwhile, Katic’s return status for “Castle” Season 8 is still up in the air. She has yet to reach an agreement on her new contract. There is, however, no uncertainity surrounding her co-actor, Nathan Fillion. Last month, he was the first to sign on a new, one year contract, confirming his return for another season.

Citing sources, THR has reported that Katic is expected to return and “Castle” Season 8 might end up as an abbreviated, final season. ABC has not announced the episode count of the new season.

Katic is currently shooting a film “off the grid” at a secret location, according to her Twitter status update on April 30. The actress recently got married to her long-time boyfriend Kris Brkljac, a business efficiency consultant, in a private ceremony in Croatia.

“Castle” Season 7 finale is scheduled to air on Monday, May 11. The final episode, titled “Hollander’s Woods,” will tell the shocking story behind Castle’s success. It will reveal why he became a mystery writer. According to the episode’s synopsis, he will be remembering a terrifying event that happened when he was 11-years-old. And Beckett will be seen facing a crossroads because of her professional life and she will be seen making an interesting choice.

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