Could "Castle" Season 8 be the show's last? Producers are not quite sure if the crime series would be renewed or cancelled on ABC. Thus, they are planning multiple endings for the finale -- just in case. These have left fans on their toes, wondering what would happen to Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) and Richard Castle (Nathan Fillon)?
Speaking with TV Line, showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley revealed that they will be filming different endings for the finale of "Castle" Season 8. One is a cliffhanger, which they hope will actually get aired.
Meanwhile, the other is an alternate ending. "We have crafted a final scene that would exist only if we weren't coming back," Hawley told the news outlet.
Contract Negotiations After 'Castle' Season 8
The uncertainty comes as it is widely known that the actors' contracts are going to end this season. The original agreement for lead stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic actually ended in Season 7 and they've opted to extend this specifically for Season 8 only. Contract negotiations for a potential Season 9 won't begin until the show's run is over in May.
Last year, Stana Katic almost quit the series after her contract negotiations took a while to materialize and it was compounded by the departure of "Castle" original showrunners, so changes were expected. "Part of my thought process making the decision whether to do another season was creatively, what that would look like," Katic said, per Deadline.
'Castle' To Continue Season 9 Without Lead Stars?
"Obviously our hope is that we come back 'all hands on deck' for Season 9, but everybody needs to make deals," Hawley further said. However, the showrunners are also open to the idea of proceeding with the new season of "Castle" without its lead stars.
In January 2016, the showrunners hinted that they have come up with some story ideas for Season 9 regardless whoever stars in it, per TV Guide. At that time, ABC's president, Paul Lee, implied he would like the show to continue for another season.
