Chicago Fire is bringing in a replacement for Dermot Mulroney amid the actor’s hiatus from the show.
News broke on Thursday, January 22, that Mulroney’s Dom Pascal will be absent from the rest of season 14. According to Deadline, a story line that requires him to be off screen will be the way NBC writes the character off the show — for now. Mulroney is still expected to appear in the upcoming One Chicago crossover, which airs Wednesday, March 4, before Rob Morgan will take over.
Mulroney does have the chance to return at the end of the season, but for now Pascal is focused on budget issues at the firehouse while pondering a run for public office. Morgan, meanwhile, is stepping in as Battalion Chief Hopkins.
Fans of the One Chicago universe are no strangers to onscreen shakeups. Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. have often lost fan-favorite characters to different exits, which NBC’s president of program planning Jeff Bader previously defended.
Which ‘Chicago Fire’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 14?
“Cast comes in, cast goes out,” Bader told TVLine in an interview published in July 2024. “It’s interesting, because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question about what’s going on within the One Chicago universe. But [those shows] just keep going on.”
Bader noted that each of the Chicago shows have continued to find success, adding, “We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.”
Most recently, Chicago Fire lost Michael Bradway right after it was announced that Jake Lockett, who plays Sam Carver, and Daniel Kyri, who is known for his role as Darren Ritter, would not be returning as series regulars. Brandon Larracuente was subsequently brought on as a full-time cast member.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Morgan — and Mulroney’s expected return:
Who Is Rob Morgan’s Character Chief Hopkins?
Deadline released a character description for Rob Morgan’s new role, which revealed that Hopkins “has a complicated history overseeing several Chicago firehouses and is quick to assert authority over his new colleagues.” No other character-specific information has been released as fans await Dermot Mulroney’s hiatus.
When Is Rob Morgan Joining — And Dermot Mulroney Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’?
Rob Morgan will make his debut in episode 16 and will appear in four episodes — including the season 14 finale. He has been cast in a recurring role while Dermot Mulroney, who was brought on in season 13, will be absent from the rest of the season.
Mulroney filmed scenes for the One Chicago crossover and the episode immediately after that. The rest of the season — including if Mulroney reappears in the finale — is still to be determined.
Why Is Rob Morgan Replacing Dermot Mulroney?
While no reason for Dermot Mulroney’s hiatus was given at the time, the actor returned to the set of The Hunting Wives for season 2. The hit Netflix series, which is currently in production, will check in with Jed Banks and Mulroney has offered glimpses at the filming process.
“Are we lifers yet? What a life! Great to finally meet @johnstamos, you’ve got my vote for mayor of Hollywood. As long as you #votedforjed welcome to Maplebrook @thehuntingwives #jedfortexas #jedbanksforgovernor #jedandmargot,” Mulroney wrote via Instagram in January 2026 alongside photos with new cast member John Stamos.
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What Roles Has Rob Morgan Had in the Past?
Rob Morgan is known for his role as Turk Barrett on Marvel’s Netflix series Hap Jackson in Mudbound, Officer Powell in Stranger Things and Teddy Oglethorpe in Don’t Look Up. Morgan recently starred on Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Teacup.
What Has Dermot Mulroney Said About His Time on ‘Chicago Fire’?
Dermot Mulroney teased his debut in season 13, exclusively telling Us Weekly in September 2024 that the season is “really physical” and leaned “into the action” more than he expected.
The actor noted that “every week is a surprise” for his character, whom he called a “really cool character.”
“It’s been a thrill to tumble into this cast. They really put me in at full speed to join up,” he added. “It’s been incredible.”
