Dynasty star James Mackay announced on Instagram that he’s been written out of the CW soap, saying that “while Steven had a choice to leave, unfortunately I didn’t.”
The news comes as a major surprise given that the character didn’t receive that conclusive of an exit. Last week’s episode found Steven Carrington opting to return to Paraguay to continue working with his foundation, though he promised that it was just a temporary leave and that he’d be home by Christmas. With Mackay apparently let go from the series, it’s as yet unclear how his permanent exit is explained away or if guest starring in a future episode is even possible.
Mackay’s exit comes after fellow season one series regular Nathalie Kelley exited the soap, with her Cristal Flores being killed off in the show’s May finale. While Dynasty is a twisty soap that traffics in keeping the audience off balance, and while the show is profitable thanks to a lucrative Netflix deal that (essentially) leaves its linear ratings unimportant, there’s something off about two major characters leaving in such quick succession on a show barely into its second season. What it means for the show’s creative side going forward, as well as its future on the network beyond this season, remains to be seen.
Dynasty airs Fridays at 8:00 on The CW. You can check out Mackay’s Instagram post below.
What do you think about this news? How will Sam’s role on the show (and in the Carrington family) change as a result of Steven being written out? Will not having Steven around bring Fallon and Blake closer together or push them apart?
