Celebrity Extra: Dermot Mulroney
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is Dermot Mulroney really leaving "Chicago Fire" for good? It doesn't appear as if his character is coming back since he was fired. -- O.C.
A: While no reason was given for Dermot Mulroney's exit from "Chicago Fire," it was preplanned and appears to be solely for storyline purposes. The actor has numerous upcoming projects, so it's very likely that he needed some time off for other endeavors. Whatever the reason, it's been reported that his character, Chief Pascal, will most likely return by this season's finale.
Dermot Mulroney as Chief Pascal in "Chicago Fire". Photo Credit: Courtesy of NBC
In the meantime, Rob Morgan will take command of the battalion as Chief Hopkins. Morgan is a talented character actor whom you'll recognize from "Stranger Things" and "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," but he's probably best known as Turk Barrett in several Marvel productions like "Daredevil" and "Luke Cage."
Q: When is the reboot of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" coming out? Have they finished filming yet? -- R.C.
A: Over a year ago, Hulu ordered a pilot episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale," which was about a new teenage successor to Sarah Michelle Gellar's character, Buffy Summers. After years of speculation, it was finally announced that Gellar would produce and co-star in a reboot with a young slayer to be played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong ("Star Wars: Skeleton Crew").
Alas, Gellar recently learned that Hulu wouldn't be picking up the series after all. It came as a shock because not only did it seem destined to be a hit, the already filmed pilot was directed by Oscar winner Chloe Zhao, who won Best Director for "Nomadland" in 2021 and was nominated again this year for "Hamnet."
Gellar addressed her fans via social media soon after learning the news from Hulu, thanking Zhao for reminding her how much she loved the character and stating what an honor it was to "find [herself] back in Buffy's stylish yet affordable boots," if only for a bit.
According to Deadline, Hulu's lack of faith in the project was based on "weeks of speculation about the fate of the project" and the fact that, despite her pedigree, "Zhao's sensibility may not have been the perfect match for the reboot." Hopefully, Gellar won't give up, and "Buffy 2.0" will find a new home!
Q: Is "Lioness" returning for another season, and will Nicole Kidman still be in it? She's in so many different series and movies lately. -- P.D.
A: Yes, "Lioness" is returning to Paramount+ for its third season. Production began in Texas back in October 2025 with star Zoe Saldana and new series regular Ian Bohen. And yes, prolific actress Nicole Kidman will also return as cutthroat CIA boss Kaitlyn Meade. You can also catch Kidman in her new series "Scarpetta" on Amazon.
Season one of "Lioness" premiered in July 2023 and season two in October 2024. An official premiere date hasn't been announced yet for the upcoming season, but I would expect it by year's end.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.