Behind-the-Scenes Drama That Ended 'Castle': Nathan Fillion & Stana Katic Feud, Explained
Castle is best known as a procedural with unmatched chemistry between its leads, played by Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic. However, their real-life relationship was far from what it appeared to be on screen.
On the surface, it seemed that Castle had everything necessary for success: charismatic actors, an original plot, and a devoted fanbase.
However, behind the bright facade, there was real drama that eventually led to the show's cancellation.
Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic Played Lovers, But Hated Each Other in Real Life
The main source of tension was the complicated relationship between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic, who played the lead roles of Richard Castle and Kate Beckett.
According to insiders, the two actors didn't get along at all. Sometimes, after another fight with Fillion, Katic would go to her dressing room and cry.
Meanwhile, there was undeniable chemistry between Castle and Beckett, and millions of fans around the world were rooting for their relationship.
'Castle' Season 9 Was Supposed to Happen Without Stana Katic
Then came the shocking news: Stana Katic was fired from Castle, and the ninth season would continue without her.
While some fans believe that Fillion, who had influence over the show's production process, was involved in the actress's dismissal, or that the feud between the actors made the producers fire Katic, the real reason was most likely a cost-cutting move.
In the end, the creators made the right decision – they canceled Castle after the eighth season. In the finale, they gave Richard and Kate a happy ending, albeit a dubious one.
Stana Katic Said She "Was Hurt" While Making 'Castle'
Kate Beckett was a beloved character, and it's scary to imagine how much the show's ratings would have dropped if the show's creators had found a replacement for Stana Katic and continued the show without her.
Here is what the actress herself said about her experience on Castle:
“I was confused by the entire experience. I was hurt. But look, time has passed and I am so thankful to have been a part of that project, for it to have affected as many people as it did.”
Fans Praise Fillion & Katic's Onscreen Chemistry Despite Their Tense Relationship
Fans were understanding about the drama behind the scenes of Castle. Many believe the actors' conflict was due to their busy filming schedule. Redditor SaintAJJ wrote:
“It has been reported that the production schedule for Castle was intense and almost every scene had both Stana and Nathan in it. Having little to no breaks in between filming episodes can be exhausting and afterwhile everything just boiled over and things got heated in the moment.”
Other fans point out that this situation highlights the professionalism of Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic. Despite their tense relationship, they were able to portray one of the best TV couples. Reddit user BicycleKamenRider commented:
“If anything, it just shows how professional they are as actors. They manage to act as two partners in solving crime and in love. [...] Onscreen chemistry? Amazing.”
Where to Watch 'Castle'?
Castle is available to stream on Hulu.
