Many fans are wondering whether or not Jesse Williams' character, Jackson Avery, will return on Grey's Anatomy season 16. Now, rumors further fueled he's not returning on the upcoming installment after getting a new gig, as he is set to make a debut at the Broadway stage.
One of the reasons why a lot of viewers speculated Williams' character is not coming back is because he suddenly disappeared at the end of season 15. But, there's no need to worry about Jackson's fate on Grey's Anatomy season 16 as a representative for the ABC show told Entertainment Tonight that Williams would reprise his role on the new season.
However, it's still uncertain what's his fate on the hit medical drama series as they didn't comment beyond that. The reason why many were worried he's not coming back is because of what happened to him at the end of Grey's Anatomy season 15.
It can be recalled that Jackson disappeared into a fog before the fifteenth season ends and it made Maggie wondering what happened to him and where he went. Some viewers believe something bad happened to him that's why he didn't come back, so it's very likely he's not going to show up when the new season premiere its first episode.
But, since it has been confirmed he's returning, many breathe a sigh of relief. Also, since Williams will not start his commitment on the Broadway stage until next spring, it would be possible for him to take part in both projects.
Some reports also noted he might be leaving Grey's Anatomy season 16 for only a few episodes before it ends, and then will be back on season 17. The actor likely told the production team about his interest on the Broadway stage beforehand, as they seemed with it to accommodate the request. And because he is a series regular, a conversation like that is needed.
Moreover, Williams might have banked some footage for Grey's Anatomy season 16 before his departure for the Broadway. But then, there's also a chance Williams' character will leave the show at some point, yet it's still good news he's coming back for the new installment as it only suggests there are more stories to tell on his side.
Meanwhile, executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff revealed that Jackson's disappearance on Grey's Anatomy season 16 finale was "something they did" as they wanted "something a little more dramatic" to tag the season.
She said that the character's disappearance into the fog felt unexpected and beginning of a new journey. The showrunner added they have already completed the "season of love" and the final episode in the previous installment teased the beginning of the next season.
