The Real Story Behind Why Alan Arkin Left 'The Kominsky Method'
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Netflix's The Kominsky Method was renewed for a third and final season in July 2020.
In September 2020, it was announced that original cast member Alan Arkin would not be reprising his role in season 3.
Season 3 of The Kominsky Method will be available to stream on Netflix starting on May 28.
It was bittersweet news when fans learned The Kominsky Method had been renewed by Netflix for a third and final season in July 2020. The comedy series about an aging acting coach — which first premiered in November 2018 — has become a fan favorite over the years, thanks in no small part to the power duo of Oscar winners Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. Two months later, fans were then even more devastated when it was revealed that Alan wouldn't be reprising his role as Norman Newlander. If you're wondering where Alan Arkin is following his Kominsky Method exit, then here's the scoop.
According to a rep for the show, Alan's decision to exit after season 2 was made “some time ago” ahead of the Covid-19 outbreak, per Deadline. Six months after Alan's exit was announced, Netflix released its official season 3 trailer, where it was revealed that Alan's character had passed away. The trailer opens with Norman's funeral, as Robby (who is played by recurring guest star Haley Joel Osment) eulogizes his estranged grandfather. According to the official logline, season 3 will follow Sandy Kominsky as he's forced to “navigate what aging looks like without his longtime friend by his side."
His character's absence may have cleared up ahead of the season 3 premiere, but it's still unclear why Alan decided not to reprise his role. The role earned Alan two Primetime Emmy nominations, as well as two Golden Globe nods, and though fans can look forward to Morgan Freeman and Barry Levinson joining the season 3 cast, Alan's presence will certainly be missed.
Currently, the actor doesn't have any other projects in the works (that fans know of, anyway), but you can look forward to hearing him lend his voice to Wild Knuckles in Minions: The Rise of Gru, which is expected to hit theaters in July 2022.
Alan may not have addressed his exit yet, but series creator Chuck Lorre did release a statement about the series' end back in July 2020, when the news first broke. “It’s been an incredible experience to see the warm response from both audiences and critics,” Chuck said. “I’m excited to wrap up the story with this final chapter.”
Even though Norman won't be a part of that final chapter, it's good to know Alan's character will still be there in spirit. You will be very missed, Norman.
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