Is The Originals season 5 in doubt because of Joseph Morgan – X-Men casting?
The image below comes via X-Men franchise executive producer Lauren Shuler Donner from Gifted, the upcoming Fox series that is set within this universe. Joseph Morgan can be seen in the photo alongside many other notable names including Jamie Chung and Stephen Moyer, who are both going to be playing big parts in the episode. Longtime X-Men director Bryan Singer will be helming the pilot, and there are clearly some high hopes for this.
However, with Morgan’s casting it is understandable for some out there to wonder if a wrench is being thrown into things and this could mean that The Originals doesn’t have much of a future. For the time being, much of what we’ve heard is that there is a plan to revisit the show’s renewal later this spring, depending on what the ratings are. The end of The Vampire Diaries doesn’t change anything when it comes to its own future on the air — it just depends on the ratings.
We should note that it is very well possible that Morgan is just appearing in the pilot for now, and his future on Gifted could depend heavily on what happens with The Originals. Because production for the spin-off is already complete, he has the time in the schedule to do some work elsewhere. After all, remember that filming here would not start for The Originals season 5, in the event that it is renewed, until most likely the middle of the summer or early fall. This is just a chance for Morgan to flex some different acting muscles, which is important for anyone to do here and there. (While Klaus does allow him a bevy of different fun acting opportunities, there is something great about getting the ability to continue to mix things up and find some new roles that interest you.)
Gifted could air at some point this fall, but it’s a little difficult to know for certain right now. One way or another, some answers should reveal themselves when we get around to later in the spring when Fox holds its upfront presentation.
If you did miss it, we spoke briefly about the future of the Klaus / Caroline pairing following The Vampire Diaries series finale. Be sure to check that out over here.
Update: As it turns out, Morgan’s not appearing on the new show. Find out more over here.
What do you think Morgan’s casting means? Be sure to share in the comments below! (Photo: The CW.)