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Why Daniel Henney’s Matt Simmons Left Criminal Minds

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Working in network television can be an exhausting and demanding profession due to the long hours and unyielding schedules. It’s no wonder that some popular TV shows today experience a steady turnover of actors as performers move on to other projects after a brief stint with the material. However, there are always dedicated artists who choose to stay for the long haul, contributing significantly to series like “Grey’s Anatomy” or others, which have been recognized for their exceptional ensemble casts, many of whom have been part of the show since its inception.

The long-running show “Criminal Minds” features a talented cast that has resonated with viewers over the years, but even stars of this caliber aren’t exempt from leaving. In recent times, there have been several instances where actors decided to pursue other opportunities, particularly when “Criminal Minds” was rebranded and transformed into “Criminal Minds: Evolution.” It appears that the series plans to continue for a few more seasons in the future, which might lead to further cast changes. However, one actor, Daniel Henney, has been absent from recent episodes and there are hints he may not return for any of the upcoming installments.

Matt Simmons Was Written Out Of Criminal Minds

The Character Was Engaged In A Confidential Mission

Matt Simmons made his debut in the opening episode of Season 10, titled “Beyond Borders.” Though he joined the cast relatively late, his complex portrayal and richly drawn character quickly gained him a dedicated fanbase. Simmons played an FBI member specializing in international responses, displaying unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and intelligence. Initially, Simmons was not expected to be a recurring figure in the series, but by Season 13, his role expanded significantly, integrating him into the main cast.

From Season 13 onward, he became a permanent member of the BAU team in the series, remaining till Season 15. This long tenure allowed him to make a significant mark on the show, appearing in as many as 75 episodes. Among these, 49 were part of the primary “Criminal Minds” series, while 26 were featured in the spinoff titled “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”. It’s intriguing to observe an actor who managed to captivate the audience so much that he was included in both the main show and the emerging spinoff. Given his crucial role in “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”, it appeared that Simmons was too indispensable to be underutilized.

The significant alteration in Matt Simmons’ involvement in the show primarily occurred during the transition between seasons. Although some aspects from “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” were incorporated into the main “Criminal Minds,” many other elements were missing when “Criminal Minds: Evolution” began. Unlike other characters, Matt Simmons was not continued in the new series, leading the showrunners to find a convincing explanation for his sudden absence. This wasn’t an isolated case, as several other characters did not return for the start of the sequel series following their popular run in the original.

In the series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” it becomes clear that Matt Simmons is dispatched on a secret operation. Details regarding this task or why he was chosen for it remain undisclosed. However, this plot point provides a tidy resolution to the storyline. Since we’ve witnessed Simmons shifting teams before, it’s plausible that he has been reassigned again, utilizing his exceptional abilities elsewhere in the organization. Yet, his departure leaves his friends and coworkers feeling sad, though they must adapt swiftly.

Daniel Henney Had to Step Away

The Actor’s Schedule Became Fully Booked

In a straightforward manner, the TV series “Criminal Minds: Evolution” presented a fairly standard explanation for the character’s absence, but there were additional factors at play. It turns out that actor Daniel Henney chose to depart from the show independently. Contrary to appearances, he wasn’t dissatisfied with the idea of a spin-off series. On the contrary, since his debut on “Criminal Minds,” his fame and popularity have increased significantly. This newfound success brought about numerous job offers and possibilities that might have conflicted with the intensive filming schedule of a show like “Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Previously, Henney had established a name for himself by featuring in secondary roles on series such as NCIS: Los Angeles and Hawaii Five-0. However, it’s Disney that has given him one of his most significant roles so far. In the animated film Big Hero 6, he played Tadashi, Hiro’s elder brother. Despite meeting a sad end in the movie, Tadashi is indispensable to the storyline. Henney brought an appealing charm and genuine warmth to the character.

It’s no wonder that following his stint on “Criminal Minds,” Henney received numerous other opportunities. In fact, his schedule became so packed that he couldn’t rejoin “Criminal Minds: Evolution” due to complex scheduling issues. This marked a significant juncture in the actor’s career, one that he chose to navigate towards new ventures. To begin with, he joined the cast of “The Wheel of Time,” playing Lan Mandragoran in the highly acclaimed Amazon Prime series. Although the show has been cancelled, Henney appeared in a total of 24 episodes and was an essential character. This move underscored Henney’s ability to take on leading roles in large-scale productions once more.

Apart from “The Wheel of Time,” Joe Henney has been involved in several other projects since leaving “Criminal Minds.” These include “Confidential Assignment 2: International,” “Missing,” and the podcast series “Koreaboo.” With an impressive list of credits under his belt, it seems unlikely that Henney will return to procedural TV, especially with high-budget opportunities on the table. Although fans of “Criminal Minds” may have already recognized his talent, more people are now discovering him through his role in “The Wheel of Time.

There Is a Possibility Simmons Could Return

The Character Has an Open Ending

Fans are curious if the actor might reappear in future episodes of Criminal Minds. To answer this question, we need to consider why his character left initially. Interestingly, the showrunners seem open to having Henney return, as they purposely crafted an ending that leaves room for interpretation. In the storyline, there could be several reasons for his absence, such as a mystery surrounding his disappearance or a secret mission that needs resolving. Alternatively, his mission might have reached its conclusion!

Looking at things from Henney’s standpoint, his tenure on “Criminal Minds” has consistently received praise from him. Although he chose to depart the series, he’s never uttered a disparaging word, and his affection for his co-stars is evident. The show played a significant role in boosting his career, which he acknowledges gratefully. Considering this background, it seems that Henney might prefer to reappear in future seasons, provided the schedule allows it, so he can maintain his connection with the show without being too tied down.

It’s possible that Henney might rejoin “Criminal Minds” soon due to a break in his schedule since there will be no more filming for another season. However, with other opportunities likely on the horizon, he may prefer to advance his career by exploring different roles rather than returning to an old one, as it could potentially slow down his current momentum.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’m excitedly sharing some intriguing news about our favorite actor, Henney. He’s shown interest in reprising his role, much like other esteemed cast members, and surprisingly, he has the availability to do so at this very moment. However, opportunities can shift rapidly, so if we want another glimpse of him on screen, now is the time! The window for this possibility is closing faster than a closing credit roll, so keep your eyes peeled for any official announcements. These announcements would typically be made well ahead of time to generate buzz and boost ratings when needed.

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2025-05-28 02:37

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