True Blood Exclusive: Luke Grimes Exits Prior to Seventh and Final Season, Role Will Be Recast
True Blood‘s upcoming seventh and final season has already claimed its first victim.
Luke Grimes, who joined the HBO hit in Season 6 as Jessica’s (Deborah Ann Woll) brooding, soulful vamp-camp lover James, has unexpectedly left the series, TVLine has learned exclusively.
RELATED | True Blood Exclusive: Eric’s Season 7 Fate Revealed!
When reached for comment, an HBO spokesperson confirmed Grimes’ exit, saying, “The role of James is being recast due to the creative direction of the character.”
Grimes’ rep declined to comment, but a source close to the Brothers & Sisters alum tells TVLine that the actor asked to be let out of his contract after he learned what producers had in store for James in Season 7. “He initially joined the show because he wanted to work with [his Forever co-star] Deborah Ann Woll,” says the insider. “But when he started reading the scripts for Season 7, he was disappointed to learn that they were going in a completely different direction with James.”
Grimes recently joined the Fifty Shades of Grey movie as Christian Grey’s brother.
RELATED | Stephen Moyer on True Blood‘s ‘Sad’ Series Finale, Possible Happy Ending for Sookie and Bill
Production on True Blood‘s farewell season begins next month ahead of a June 2014 premiere.
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Damn. He is extremely hot and was looking forward to more nudity from him!
Pretty sure he left because he was cast to play Christian Greys brother for the 50 Shades movie.
Nope. He was under contract to True Blood first and foremost. He had to work 50 Shades around his TB schedule.
Why not just drop the character altogether? It’s the final season, concentrate on the core cast.
Because Bucky is a terrible show runner.
Agreed.
I don’t agree, more like Luke is tasty eye candy but not such a versatile actor. I thought Brian Buckner did a great job last year and can’t wait to see what he brings next but I’d be equally happy if Alan Ball were to jump back into the driving seat for the final season.
It would be cool but I highly doubt it as he has his hands full with Banshee. A pretty good show in its own right.
That’s what I was hoping for. I’d really like to see Jason and Jessica as end game.
Writing out James would involve rewriting all the scripts they’ve completed and changing their story plans. With production beginning next month, it’s too late in the game to do that, so recasting is the only option.
As long as it wasn’t Lafayette, Pam, Jessica, or Eric, it doesn’t really matter all that much.
Agree… and since they are going to do boring Bill and Sookie I doubt I’ll be watching the final season…
Seriously? Sounds like you’ve been watching the show up until now. You’d opt out of the last 10 episodes just because you think Bill and Sookie are boring? I don’t know you, but I imagine your comment was just hyperbole.
They are boring. Boring in the same way that date rape is boring.
Too bad. I like the actor. He was good with Jessica.
weird
he exited early from b&s too. hmmmmm
He got a really bad deal with B&S. His character was only brought on to justify the writers putting Justin and (God-awful) Rebecca together as a “real” couple based on some supposed chemistry, I’m guessing that an incestuous relationship on the show would have been bad for ratings!. Then writers didn’t know what to do with him after that. Personally, I liked Luke’s character and Justin together better then anything with Rebecca and Justin, she was worse then nails on a chalkboard.
Rebecca was the best. She was played by Emily Van Camp who is the best and Justin/Rebecca were the only reason to watch B/S towards the end. Anyone who hates Rebecca must also hate puppies and sunshine and just all around delightfulness.
I happen to love all animals, and sunshine and all around delightfulness, I just happen to not like Emily or her acting. I haven’t liked anything she’s done since Everwood so we will just have to disagree on that. My point was because B&S decided there was some supposed chemistry between Rebecca and Justin (fyi, yes, I know David and Emily were couple in real life at some point), Luke’s character was thrown in to justify an otherwise incestuous relationship. As for the show itself I thought Justin was a better person without Rebecca. I wished the show had dropped Rebecca, instead they killed Robert whom I liked because he was interesting and made Kitty tolerable. I stayed with the show because as a straight woman even though it is very difficult to watch people treat and talk to each other the way Rebecca did Justin, I liked Kevin and Scotty way to much to give up the show.
I agree. I thought the Justin/Rebecca story hurt the show. I still miss that show though.
Even the actors know how shoddy the writing is. The show is a joke.
Last season was the best since season two.
I totally disagree. Most critics would agree with me.
“most critics” don’t matter. I love the series and can’t wait for this final season.
I agree, Bobby, I love True Blood too. It’s still entertaining, highly addictive and massively popular which means it remains lucrative for all involved in its production.
Who actually gives ‘ a twirly f*** ‘ about “most critics”?
I’m with you. I really liked the first part of the season, but it all fell apart in the last 3 episodes.
Actually, it was the best since Season 4—Season 5 was the only bad season, followed by Season 2. True Blood is generally an awesome show, and Season 6 was a return to form. The only people who hate Season 6 are the Eric and Sookie shippers. Unfortunately for them, that ship has sailed, and Bookie are endgame. :-D
Sorry, its not true that only Sookie and Eric fans hated season 6. I know its easier to think thats the case and it may be for some- but not all. I actually prefer Sookie with Bill (I liked Eric and Sookie in the books but never thought they made sense on the show) but I still thought last season sucked for a number or reasons- which I actually stated below. The last 3-4 episodes just ruined the progress they made in the beginning episodes for me.
The show has been ridiculously successful, so there really isn’t a basis for saying any season was particularly anything. Mentioning the whole ‘shipping thing pretty much eliminates your objectivity, IMHO.
Bookie is endgame because the Paquins control the show. ;)
Sorry tarc, was that supposed to be a reply to my comment?
Really hope that means this ridiculous “love” is over. If the series is ending, I want it to end with Jason and Jessica
I don’t. Jason is nearing mid thirties and Jessica is forever 17. I find that kind of creepy.
I take it you had the same issue with Hoyt then, as he and Jason are the same age? Also, how old do you think James was? Couldn’t have been much younger than Jason.
To each their own, but of all the relationships on this show, I was most intrigued by Jason and Jessica’s. She came into Jason’s life at a time he needed “purity” and he was a coming-of-age for her. They were a ray of light in an otherwise annoying season 4.
But unlike Hoyt and Jason, the age difference is never going to be more extreme than what it currently is, James is permanently stuck in his late twenties, the other two guys will just keep on spreading that gap.
Jessica belongs with Hoyt.
this. I wish they’d bring him back.
I’m not so sure, Hoyt no longer has any idea who she is so they’d have to fall in love all over again. Unless he comes back from Alaska as a vampire, I don’t think Jessica would want to go there again.
It’s the last season. We don’t need endless lead characters we just need the originals and long-time characters. Not a cluster of a show.
The poor guy can’t seem to get a break, he seems to get screwed on every show he’s done the last several years. First Brothers and Sisters, now this.
Wait, he’ll exit True Blood because he didn’t like the writing but he choose to join Fifty Shades of Grey… Irony.
^^^This! Hahaha!
That oughta tell you how bad True Blood’s writers are. You know it’s bad when 50 SoG is more appealing.
True Blood’s writers are pretty damn good. Season 6 was excellent!
I wish I could agree with you, but I found the writing last season to be just as bad as the previous year. It started off fairly good but the Warlow character and the way it ended… That was just bad writing. There was potential there but they never went anywhere with it. And zombie vampires? Oy. Season 6 was slightly better than season 5 but as that year was horrific, that’s not saying much. I miss the feel of seasons 1-3. They haven’t given me any reason to think it will be better in the final season, although of course I’ll see it through. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
I couldn’t have said it better, I completely agree with you
yes!I agree with you completely.
writing being bad at least 2 seasons ago.I really don’t know what could be salvage in 10 episodes
As usual, I couldn’t wait for each new TB episode to air last season. IMO season 6 was great and set up what looks like is going to be a promising final season this year.
Hahahahahaha!!!!!
LOL
Disappointing. I liked him with Jessica.
I did too. He was the only new character I liked. And to be honest, I don’t even remember much else about last season. That’s how bad it was.
I thought they made a cute couple too. Maybe too cute, you know how True Blood loves to mess with happy relationships.
Well that’s disappointing ! He is all kind of hot.
I was really looking forward to seeing him on the final season of TB.
As long as we still have Eric…
…and Alcide, Bill, Jason, Sam and Lafayette and Andy. Plenty of guys to suit everyone’s taste.
I don’t watch True Blood for the record but maybe Luke Grimes leaving could be a good thing because the show may not want an actor who is unhappy.However Luke is an actor and yes he may have been promised something when he joined but the show may have changed their plans regarding his character and that is their right.As for recasting maybe it’s too late to write the character off because of the story he’s going to be in.
Oh my stars – you don’t watch True Blood?!!!
Other than that, I totally agree with you.
I am really curious in what direction was the character heading in the final season that he felt strongly enough too ask to be let go? The final season of a popular show will receive extra media attention ; which many actors would kill to have that kind of exposure to further their careers.
Yeah, it will be interesting.
Many actors stick with shows for the fans, that’s kind of an unwritten rule. Otherwise many actors would’ve already bailed on other shows.
So I say this: whatever they wrote it couldn’t possibly have been worthy of dissapointing his fans.
Kill James off in a few seconds, who cares about a side character like that anyway ?
I’m inclined to agree, mac, but am willing to wait and see how it goes.
Luke Grimes fiasco just illustrates how bad the writing team on true blood really are ……last 2 seasons have had no direction ….you see start season 6 off with Eric and Sookie saying goodbye ..thats the best chemistry on the show. Then by the finale you have Sookie with A lcide as a couple..which is no chemistry and now Bill is back as a love interest again but their relationship mostly was an abusive and manipulative one ….Grimes says that the script for James was disappointing …I am sure it is …..ridiculous Buckner and his cronies
Agree!
Oh, I get it now…you’re a bitter little Eric fan. Well, Sookie belongs with BILL and always. Fortunately, the showrunners know this and will put them together in the end.
I actually don’t care who Sookie ends up with, but Alcide? Seriously? Her single scene with Eric at the season premiere was better than anything with Alcide.
This makes me sad. I feel like the only person in the world that was rooting for Alcide and Sookie. Out of all her suitors, he genuinely seems like the only one who truly has her best interests at heart with no agenda. The end of season three and season 4 kind of showed this dog match between Bill and Eric and honestly, it got quite stale. I’ve been a fan of all three pairings and A/S is the only one that hasn’t yet been ruined for me (although I know they will be). Season 4 killed Eric/Sookie for me and season 3+ ruined Bill as a person. If I had my way, Sookie wouldn’t end up with anyone. One of the reasons I started to dislike True Blood was the hard focus around her love life. I’m PRAYING there will be SOME good material this season to retire the show.
I agree. Alcide does seem, as you say, genuine etc and he does have chemistry with Sookie but, IMO, it’s been clear from the start that True Blood’s constant central relationship is between Sookie and Bill. That doesn’t mean to say there can’t be a twist of some kind when the show ends.
Yeah. I liked when Sookie got drunk and Alcide was willing to have sex with her even though he knew she wasn’t sober. What a gentleman.
Oh I get it, you’re an obnoxious little Bill fan. You sound ridiculous, people can like whoever/whatever they like without being ridiculed and scolded.
The Eric fans complain about everything and bash BB and his crew without having all the facts, all because their ‘ship’ never panned out.
Or, people are just stating the obvious. BB is a terrible show runner. Don’t believe me? Go ask all the writers that left. They’ll tell you. The organic froth and characterizations were thrown out the window Amin favor of forcing the square peg into the round hole. And I you didn’t agree with BB, then pack your bags because you’re out. That’s coming from an inside source. The current writers are awful and their storylines are rushed and nonsensical.
Season 6 was excellent. You’re an Eric fan and therefore not objective at all.
Hey alistaircrane I never said I was an Eric fan. But even if I was, your idiotic logic would apply to yourself since you love that abusive monster so much.
Why don’t you go back to your sad little Bill Compton Appreciation Society and talk about how hot DubCon cemetary sex is.
I agree and even without insider knowledge one just has to look at the highly promising storyline involving Ben/Warlow (and a decent actor at that – hot, charismatic and could act) that the previous show runner Mark Hudis started and how it was f***** up half way through and ended up being totally pointless. Nearly as pointless as Niall who should have been a better character based on casting a pretty well known Rutger Hauer but again, that plotline went to hell.
It’s Alan Ball’s show so he gets final say on story direction and on the appointment of his writing team and his successor, nothing controversial about that IMO. I don’t agree that the current writers are awful, Ball, Buckner and Woo have written some of the best episodes and have been on board since the show’s inception.
I don’t even feel sorry for Eric and Sookie shippers. They are rabid little mutts and they only brought this on themselves. It never made sense to root against Bill and Sookie—-the first season clearly established they are endgame. Too bad, so sad, Eric fans! We Bill and Sookie shippers are getting what we want and deserve! Clearly Anna Paquin agrees—she married Bill! :-D
I think you’re taking these fictional television characters a little too seriously!
That’s why Moyer married Paquin. Poor Anna.
You are a sad delusional mutt. You actually think Anna Paquin IS Sookie and Stephen Moyer IS Bill. Get a clue. They’re only actors, you can stop fapping off to their cemetary sex in your twisted little mind.
Um…. time for somebody’s NAPPIE!!!!!!! Just sayin’! Thanks for the laughs though…..
As much as I am a total Eric-Sookie shipper I agree with you that TB has always showed their endgame was Bill & Sookie with some subtle, some not so subtle changes from the books like Bill not raping Sookie in the show, Bill killing Longshadow rather than Eric to save her etc etc.
I think the marriage is unrelated though….
Luke’s departure illustrates no such thing, IMO. If the writing on True Blood were bad the shot wouldn’t be such a hit. The last 2 seasons had a clear direction: taking the show leads on an evolutionary journey, way out there, to their extreme fairy and vampire natures; then laying the ground to bring everything back round full circle to Bon Temps.
I don’t see the chemistry between Sookie and Eric as the best, nor do I see Bill as being any more abusive and manipulative to Sookie than Eric has been. I can see chemistry between Sookie and Alcide too.
I suppose we all have our different favorites and points of view but TBH your complaints, ericsw47, sound driven by your disappointment in the writing team not portraying Eric as Sookie’s soul mate.
This show has devolved into zero plot. It’s all schlocky violence and gratuitous (and generally not-sexy) sex.
Can you spell *P*A*N*D*E*R*I*N*G?
Shiloh Fernandez is his doppelgänger. Cast him.
Good idea KC
My guess is his character was going to turn somewhat evil. He joined the show as a white knight character… and obviously he took the role with that being the case. Now he is leaving b/c he doesn’t like the direction assuming the report is accurate. His character becoming evil or possibly infected early on only highlights the possibility that she and jason may have a shot. Of course a 500 year old vampress with tease issues may be a bigger issue.
Why do we need a recast? I like Luke/James but I just don’t see the need in it and it must be really bad considering this is the last season and he’s still choosing to leave. Wow. Well you know what I don’t even care anymore after them burning our Eric. I only care about Eric’s story now.
Are you kidding? He was the best new man candy!
I want the show to concentrate on the core characters from season one, in roughly the same proportion of their screen time that year. I know they need supporting characters to interact with, and I was okay with the actor, but sorry, James is too new and I don’t feel invested in his character’s ending. Sookie, Jason, Bill, Tara, Lafayette, Arlene & Andy. They deserve stories with proper endings. They’re the heart of the show.
Idgaf about Arlene, Andy, Holly or Sam. People tune in for the vamps and Lafayette.
I don’t really care about Arlene or Sam, but I love Andy. He cracks me up. Honestly he was one of the only things I liked about last season. To each their own though.
so he was gonna do it even with fifty shades of grey role but he just really didn’t like the scripts and character development
that’s a little worrying for the final season
Lafayette’s new boyfriend perhaps? If that’s the case then Luke is pulling a crappy move.
That was my first thought as well, since it sounds like he wouldn’t have been paired with Jessica.
Don’t do any recast,.. just say Jessica and James slipt up because any other reasons. She finds out James has other vampire women or a human lover and then she bangs to another vampire…. many people love Jessica and Jason but I don’t, I prefer one last meeting with Hoyt, even if he doesn’t remember her
I think the reason is that they need a hot charismatic vampire for the final season and Eric Northman is not going to be around much… Based on how the showrunner described his season 7 future he is going to seemingly be away from Bon Temps doing his own thing so they need someone to be the titular fanged heartthrob in Shreveport… Bill just doesn’t have that kind of pull…