Enrique Marciano Exiting 'The Blacklist' Ahead Of Season 5

08/31/2017 06:09 pm EDT

It looks like The Blacklist will have to find Red Reddington another worthy adversary when season five debuts this fall.

Enrique Murciano, who portrayed FBI Investigator Julian Gale in season four, won't be returning for action in the next installment.

The actor took to Twitter to announce that he won't be coming back to the show, telling fans that producer Jon Bokenkamp had informed him of the decision. Murciano did inform his followers that he would see them "very soon."

Up Next: NBC Releases Fall TV Premiere Schedule

This departure comes as a bit of a surprise to fans. Murciano's character had just started his run on the show during the last four episodes of this past season. His contract reportedly had an option to return as a series regular in season five, but it looks like the producers decided not to move forward with that extension.

This announcement comes on the heels of Ryan Eggold returning to The Blacklist in season five, essentially taking the spot that occupied by Murciano. Eggold left the series to lead the spin-off Blacklist: Redemption. The venture was cancelled by NBC after just two seasons, and Eggold was brought back to the original show as a result.

Murciano also recently appeared on Bloodline, Power, and Hap and Leonard.

The Blacklist is set to begin its fifth season on NBC on October 4.

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