Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford to Depart Legends of Tomorrow As Series Regulars

As we approached the start of the 2019-2020 season, more news is coming out about our favorite CW shows. Unfortunately, sometimes the news isn’t so good. According to Deadline, Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford are leaving Legends of Tomorrow during Season 5.

https://twitter.com/BrandonJRouth/status/1164711605696966656

Routh portrays Ray Palmer, who is one of the three remaining original Legends. Starting on Arrow in 2014, Ray has had quite the journey from airhead millionaire to superhero. Ford joined Legends of Tomorrow during Season 3, originating as the season’s antagonist, Nora Darhk. Gradually, and with a lot of help from Ray, Nora softened and joined the side of good. Just like in real life, where Routh and Ford are married, Ray and Nora have fallen for each other.

According to reports, Ray’s storyline is being wrapped up, leading to his departure with Nora. Season 4 found Ray being possessed by Neron and becoming the big bad, while Nora does everything in her power to save him. The two characters have grown leaps and bounds, so it does seem natural for them to move on. However, just because they’re leaving doesn’t mean they can’t ever come back.

Executive producers Phil Klemmer, Grianne Godfree and Keto Shimizu commented on the departures, saying, ““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.”

Endless gratitude to the Legends fandom for embracing me so completely. Nora Darhk is a reflection of survivor’s resilience. I hear you. I see you. Your stories and strength inspire me every day❤️

— Courtney Ford (@_CourtneyFord_) August 23, 2019

It has also been confirmed that Routh and Ford will definitely be a part of the upcoming “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event. Routh is set to play Ray, as well as reprising his role as Clark Kent/Superman.

Legends of Tomorrow returns January 2020.