While the upcoming SWAT spin-off series, titled SWAT: Exiles, will soon usher in a new era for the fan-favorite franchise, its abrupt announcement seems to have drawn a bittersweet reaction from Jay Harrington, who played Deacon, and David Lim, who portrayed Victor Tan in the original series. The duo has come out to share their disappointment about being informed of the spin-off just two days after the premiere of the SWAT Season 8 finale.
Deacon actor says he was ‘not once’ told about SWAT: Exiles
In a recent discussion, Jay Harrington, who played the role of Deacon on SWAT throughout its eight-season run, noted that the cast was completely unaware of the existence of SWAT: Exiles.
While speaking with TVLine, the Better Off Ted alum revealed that “not once” was he notified of the recently confirmed SWAT spin-off. Harrington, along with most of the rest of the show’s cast, only came to know about plans for Exiles on May 18, from Hondo actor Shemar Moore. Understandably taken aback by the sudden announcement for SWAT: Exiles, Harrington stated, “I did not have a spin-off on my bingo card, for sure.”
While he admitted that the SWAT producers did not owe him anything, he did say that the studio should’ve let him know that they wanted a “clean break [and to] start fresh.” “If there was any disappointment, it’s that when they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all,” Harrington added.
Victor Tan actor says he felt ‘brushed aside’
While Harrington expressed his feelings about SWAT: Exiles in an expansive interview, his co-star, David Lim, penned a heartfelt message on his Instagram profile to do the same.
After showing gratitude to fans for celebrating his eight-year stint on SWAT, Lim let his thoughts about the forthcoming spin-off be known. He wrote, “I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting. It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale—with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one. After 8 incredible seasons, it felt like we were brushed aside when there could’ve been a moment of reflection and recognition—for the people who built this show, and for the impact it had on so many.”
Despite his criticisms of how the announcement of SWAT: Exiles was handled, Lim reiterated how proud he was of his castmates before concluding his message by noting, “No version of this story can take that away.”
