Legends Of Tomorrow's Dominic Purcell Clarifies His Exit From The Show After It Appeared He Had 'Beef' With The Studio

Mick Rory/Heat Wave (Dominic Purcell) looks confused on Legends of Tomorrow

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is only a few weeks away from kicking off its sixth season and, based on the trailers we’ve seen, fans are in for a real treat. However, the season just became a bit more sentimental, as Dominic Purcell, who plays Mick Rory / Heat Wave, announced that Season 6 would be his last. While the actor’s original announcement post was mostly amiable, he later followed it up with posts that seemed to indicate he had a “beef” with Warner Bros. Television. Now, Purcell has provided some clarity regarding his posts.

In a series of deleted Instagram posts, Dominic Purcell called for fans to calm down following his initial posts about leaving the show. In those original messages, Purcell said, “The actors work ethic and talent must give them the confidence to question authority.” He also added that actor should “him me up on DM” to discuss “Fake (c-words).”

The most recent social media message (via Deadline) from the actor is a bit more tempered. He actually his initially “heavy” tone but says that he doesn’t have a beef with the studio:

God would everyone chill the fuck out. Why are people losing their mind because I’m leaving the show. Yes my tone was heavy straight to the point…It’s who I am. Do I have a beef with the studio at @warnerbrostv NO!

In another post, Dominic Purcell confirms that he did indeed say that the studio doesn’t care, but he backtracked on the sentiments. He then attributed his first response to his strong emotions regarding the situation:

I have and always have had a tremendous relationship with the Bosses and the studio @warnerbrostv…My wording was aggressive in tone because sometimes I get frustrated and annoyed [sic] it’s been a long long heavy year locked up in #Vancouver for 9 months without going home. Who doesn’t and who hasn’t lashed out. Im fuckin human. So for god sake chill on.

Through other messages, the Legends of Tomorrow alum also took the opportunity to thank the cast and crew. And to the delight of fans, he further revealed that he will indeed return to Season 7 “periodically.” This seems to indicate that he would serve as an occasional guest on the superhero show.

The situation as a whole is certainly bittersweet, as Dominic Purcell’s exit marks yet another departure for one of the original stars of Legends of Tomorrow. The actor had been with the show since its debut season in 2016, with his Mick emerging as a fan favorite.

While it may be a tough pill for fans to swallow, they can, at the very least, look forward to more of Heat Wave in the sixth season and a few more potential appearances from him in the following seasons. What see what Legends of Tomorrow has in store for Mick and his cohorts when Season 6 premieres on May 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

Erik Swann
Senior Content Producer

Erik Swann is a Senior Content Producer at CinemaBlend. He began working with the publication in 2020 when he was hired as Weekend Editor. Today, he continues to write, edit and handle social media responsibilities over the weekend. On weekdays, he also writes TV and movie-related news and helps out with editing and social media as needed. He graduated from the University of Maryland, where he received a degree in Broadcast Journalism. After shifting into multi-platform journalism, he started working as a freelance writer and editor before joining CB. Covers superheroes, sci-fi, comedy, and almost anything else in film and TV. He eats more pizza than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.