Is Jake McLaughlin leaving Will Trent? Here’s what we know

Will Trent dropped a season 3 finale that has fans asking one question among many others: Is Jake McLaughlin really leaving the series? The show ended with Jake McLaughlin's character, Michael Ormewood, suddenly collapsing after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, leaving his fate hanging by the thinnest of threads.

While nothing official has been confirmed yet, clues from the actor and the show's creators suggest that his time on the ABC drama is far from over.

So, what's really happening with Ormewood in Will Trent season 4? Let's talk about everything we know so far and what it could mean for McLaughlin's fate on the hit drama.

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Michael Ormewood’s health issues spark exit rumors from Will Trent

The final scenes of Will Trent season 3 left fans speechless. Detective Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin) suddenly collapsed after his character was revealed to have a brain tumor. It was a twist, and this is where speculation about his exit started swinging across social media platforms by fans.

Speaking at Disney's Upfronts, McLaughlin did not clear things up much. In fact, he added some fuel to the mystery too. When asked about what comes next for his character, he told TV Insider;

"I don't know what's going on. I don't. They won't tell me what's happening next season."

This unclarity has kept the rumors and speculations alive, though McLaughlin also mentioned;

"I think [Michael will] be okay-ish... but like I said, we just ended the season, so I don't know what my destiny is going to be."

He added a few more hints during an interview with ScreenRant, where he opened up about filming the seizure scene. He said;

"Hopefully I didn't do any disservice to anyone that's had seizures due to a brain tumor. I'm hoping it looks realistic."

From his words, it's clear the storyline meant a lot to him, both emotionally and professionally. But there's no confirmation yet if this was his swan song or just a tough chapter.

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Creators Weigh In On Ormewood’s Future in Will Trent

While Jake McLaughlin remains tight-lipped, the show's creative team has also been vague, but with just enough breadcrumbs to keep hope alive. Liz Heldens, one of the showrunners, spoke to Screenrant about Michael Ormewood's storyline.

She admitted they're "still creatively figuring things out" and added that Michael's physical strength is a big part of who he is ás a character.

Heldens also hinted at the idea of recovery, saying it's compelling to think about Michael is...

"...Trying to get back to a version of himself that he recognizes."

It suggests his journey isn't over yet but might shift in tone or focus. Daniel T. Thomsen, another co-creator, told TV Insider that they wanted to show Ormewood "at his best" in the finale before challenging his identity completely.

The big action scene from the finale, where Ormewood fights off attackers and protects others, showed just how vital he is to the ensemble. Thomsen described him as "a soldier" and expressed excitement about what happens if those core traits are put to the test.

So, is McLaughlin exiting? Nothing is confirmed, but all signs point to his character still being part of Will Trent but just in a more complex, vulnerable position than before.

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Jake McLaughlin's fate on Will Trent might be unknown, but it's not over just yet. While his character faces up against a serious health issue, both McLaughlin and the creators have left the door open for what may come next.

Whether it's the start of a recovery arc or a goodbye, one thing is certain: fans will be watching for Michael Ormewood when Will Trent returns for season 4.