As SWAT viewers try to be mindful about their expectations for the show's spinoff, SWAT Exiles, one detail could make it possible that original cast members will return to the franchise. While CBS struggled with SWAT'S cancelation, canceling the show three times before making it official, the spinoff could face a far different outlook than its predecessor after years of back and forth.
With only Shemar Moore, who plays SWAT's main character Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, currently set to return for Exiles, the show could be finding ways to bring back original cast members from the CBS series. As SWAT spent a fair bit of time on choosing and training new team members, it seems likely that bringing the expertise of original cast members could be well worth it.
Though there's no confirmation about SWAT choosing to bring cast members outside of Moore back into the mix, fans have been buzzing about the possibility of returnees on Exiles. With one new detail emerging, it could be theorized that some of the original SWAT cast members could be preparing for a return to the franchise when it comes to SWAT Exiles.
None Of The Remaining SWAT Cast Members Have New Conflicting Projects Lined Up
Their IMDb Profiles Are Suspiciously Dormant
SWAT season 8 Victor Tan (David Lim) and Hondo (Shemar Moore) look unimpressed
Although IMDb doesn't necessarily tell viewers anything solid, many of SWAT's cast members aren't currently slated to be in any large upcoming projects. While Moore is unquestionably confirmed for SWAT Exiles, others like Jay Harrington, who played David "Deacon" Kay, and David Lim, who played Victor Tan, aren't tied to the project yet. The cast members aren't tied any shows scheduled for the fall season, either.
Sony Execs Expressed A Desire To Bring Back Cast Members For The SWAT Exiles Spinoff
The Series Would Be Smart To Honor The Original Cast
Hondo, Deacon, Powell, and Gamble in S.W.A.T. season 8
Although there hasn't been an abundance of news about SWAT Exiles just yet, shortly after the series concluded on CBS, Sony announced the spinoff in order to generate buzz from the show's vocal, loyal fanbase. SWAT viewers were heartbroken to see the series go after the back-and-forth of CBS' multiple cancelations and renewals over the last few years. Exiles was greenlit quickly.
While SWAT Exiles is meant to bring Moore back as Hondo and extend the franchise to feature a fresh squad of last-chance SWAT officers, it's likely that featuring the original cast on the series is a priority for executives. Sony Execs shared that it was possible the franchise would bring back the cast in some capacity if possible, and SWAT fans responded excitedly.
Though it's worth noting that this isn't confirmed in any way, the lack of conflicting projects among the original cast members aside from Moore at least makes things possible. With the cast potentially available and the studio expressing interest, original SWAT cast members making their way to Exiles is a fun possibility for the spinoff.