Word came yesterday that actor Emilio Estevez will not be returning for Season 2 of “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” on Disney Plus.
According to Deadline, which broke the story, Estevez was let go after negotiations over the show’s COVID vaccination requirement broke down.
Disney Television Studios’ ABC Signature, which produces the series, has adopted a mandatory vaccination policy, and Estevez refused to confirm he would comply with the policy.
Under the recent return-to-work agreement between studios and unions, production for “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” requires vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone in Zone A, which includes all actors, and crew members who come into contact with them.
Estevez first originated the role of Gordon Bombay in the 1994 film “The Mighty Ducks.” In the series, Bombay now owns the Ice Palace and when the Mighty Ducks cuts 12-year-old Evan Morrow, Bombay helps him form a new team of underdogs called the “Don’t Bothers” to compete against them.
No word on how Bombay will be written out, especially since Estevez was also an executive producer for the first season.
The remaining cast, including Brady Noon as Evan and co-executive producer Lauren Graham as his mom, are so far returning for the new season, which was first announced in August 2021.
Here is the trailer for Season 1, if you’re not familiar with the show: