WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Shameless season 9 finale that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
The cast and crew of Shameless season 10 are back on the set since the middle of July. While William H. Macy (as Frank) has been seen on the street during a location shoot, Cameron Monaghan (as Ian) and Noel Fisher (as Mickey), however, are still stuck filming their scenes inside the prison. Will their characters ever get out though?
Fisher confirmed that Monaghan's first scenes for Shameless season 10 are confined to the prison cell. He posted a video of his friend from the set via Instagram, which showed Monaghan garbed in his prison uniform.
Monaghan briefly scaled down on his appearances on Shameless last season. Thus, the writers gave him a convenient storyline that brought him to prison. The actor has agreed to come back to Shameless season 10 as a series regular and confirmed he had signed a one-year contract to return to the show, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Showrunner John Wells told Entertainment Weekly last March that, as far as he knows, there will be no significant jump to Shameless season 10. However, he has an explanation for how Ian could be weaved back into the Gallagher family in the upcoming season after being incarcerated for much of season 9.
"Truthfully, for his offense, you're not going to be kept in prison for very long," the head writer said. Wells also said that Mickey would be staying longer in prison because of the crime he has committed, but his relationship with Ian will continue. Hence, Fisher is also back in the cast in Shameless season 10.
For his part, Monaghan said that he's looking forward to playing out the changes in Ian's life, especially after his fall on the wayward side. The actor said that he would like to see how his character gets back on track after ruining his life.
Meanwhile, fans recently spotted Macy on the L.A. streets while filming scenes for Shameless season 10. He was dressed as his character and was working alongside Luis Guzman (as Mikey O'Shea).
This will be the first season without its lead actress Emmy Rossum (as Fiona), who bid the show goodbye last season. Wells said that Fiona will not completely disappear from the picture since she will still be in touch with her siblings on the show through letters, text messages and phone calls.
With production in full swing, Showtime has not yet confirmed when Shameless season 10 could premiere. The new season will likely start its run in spring 2020.
