To the heartbreak and surprise of many, Deadline announced that Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford would be ending their journey as series regulars on Legends of Tomorrow during their upcoming fifth season. Routh was one of three actors from the original cast that was still on the show, and his real-life wife joined him as a reoccurring character in season three and series regular in season four.
The show’s Executive Producers, Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu, and Grianne Godfree released the following statement:
Brandon and Courtney have been invaluable members of the Legends family. They have always brought a level passion and collaboration to their characters and to the show — both on and off the screen – that we deeply admire and for which we are eternally grateful. As one of the founding Legends of Tomorrow, Brandon is extremely beloved by the fans and everyone on the show. Of course, when we have had main characters in the past whose journeys take them away from the Waverider, it’s never truly goodbye. We love these characters and hope to check in with them in future seasons, to see how life off the ship has transformed them for better or worse.
Following their real-life romance, Routh’s Ray Palmer and Ford’s Nora Darhk became romantically involved during the fourth season. Ray has long been a fan-favorite character, and the storyline was widely embraced by the fandom. It was stated their exit came from a creative decision to end Ray and Nora’s storyline. They will film their final episode some time in October.
In a statement, Routh stated:
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring the big-hearted and humorous Ray Palmer to life for our fans over the last 5 years, but unfortunately, his storyline is pointed in another direction. I’m saddened to see Ray’s journey end for now but wish my Legends family well.
Ford added:
Nora Darhk is very close to my heart. If it were my choice, I’d play her for years to come. But I understand that stories run their course, and I’m grateful for the time I did have bringing Nora to life on Legends of Tomorrow.
Legends of Tomorrow returns in January 2020.
Find Legends of Tomorrow Podcast on:
Social Media: Facebook – @Legends_Podcast
Subscribe: iTunes – Stitcher Radio – YouTube – DC TV Podcasts – Google Play – iHeartRadio
Contact: [email protected]
Support: TeePublic Store
About the author
