'Criminal Minds' Fans Say Matthew Gray Gubler Has "Awoken” After Seeing His New IG

It's the turn of the season, and in perfect timing, the Criminal Minds reboot is just around the corner (November 24, to be exact!). With it, fans can expect to see some familiar faces this fall — one way or another, that includes Matthew Gray Gubler.

Earlier this summer, news broke that the BAU would reunite as part of a Paramount+ revival called Criminal Minds: Evolution. Alums like Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness and Paget Brewster confirmed their return, but one big question mark loomed over a particular fan favorite: Dr. Spencer Reid. The series' showrunners dashed theories when they confirmed that Matthew wouldn't return as Reid, but that hasn't stopped folks from clinging to hope.

Though Matthew's kept quiet about his involvement, his activity has certainly picked up as more Evolution news continues to drop. In fact, he recently shared a photo on Instagram that gathered excitement. A pair of mirrored selfies revealed the actor with black-and-white face paint as he grimly stared at the camera. Atop the image read, "September 30 vs October 1."

As many know, Matthew celebrates Halloween like no other. Evidently, fans couldn't help but call out his festive re-appearance on social media by sounding off under the post.

"He has awoken," one person wrote in his Instagram comments section. "It's your time to shine," another follower said. "Who else cheered?" a different fan added.

It's a pleasant surprise seeing our favorite Criminal Minds star again, but it's also left eager requests to hear the actor vocalize his absence from the reboot. Luckily, it seems co-star Paget Brewster may have an explanation. In a recent Looper interview, the actress reminded fans of Matthew's veteran status as he's the only person who's been in every single episode for 15 years.

"From 25 to 40, the guy was on one show, and that's when we shot 22, 24 episodes a year," she told the outlet. "He was never able to go do other stuff, so I understand. He wants to direct. He graduated from NYU to direct, and his first audition was Criminal Minds."

Paget continued: "Imagine you never expected to be an actor and then suddenly it's 15 years of your life. I understand why. I'm hoping he changes his mind, but I understand why he wants to do other things."

"I was gone from Criminal Minds for four years. I got to do a ton of other things that enriched my life and my resume, and my education, so I understand how he feels," she concluded.

It may not quell our wish to see Matthew in the reunion, but we're glad the rest of the BAU continues to have his back.

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