Grey’s Anatomy Cast Shares Their Speculations on Characters Who May Have Died Before Season 22

Grey’s Anatomy enthusiasts have their speculations regarding which characters met their fate in the hospital explosion — but what are the cast members saying about who might not return for season 22?

In exclusive interviews with Us Weekly at the Motion Picture & Television Fund NextGen Annual Summer Party on Sunday, June 22, Camilla Luddington and Harry Shum Jr. shared their thoughts on that shocking cliffhanger.

“I have no idea. I have a text group with several cast members who keep asking, ‘What do you think?’” Luddington, 41, playfully remarked following the surprising season 21 finale. “And we — nobody knows. No one knows, which is pretty frightening.”

Luddington, who has portrayed Dr. Jo Wilson since season 9, confessed her constant concern for her character’s fate, stating, “We’ve seen too much, and we know too much. There’s not a single season I’m not anxious about.”

On the other hand, Shum Jr., 43, proposed a creative idea to keep everyone alive.

“Hopefully, it’s not me. But then I imagine it might just be some bizarre scenario in someone’s mind,” he speculated. “I really don’t know, but that seems unlikely. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

In the finale of the popular ABC series, Piper Perabo portrayed a mother of a patient who brought a dangerously flammable acetylene tank into the operating room, coercing Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) into performing a high-stakes surgery to save her daughter. This hostage situation also endangered interns Simone (Alexis Floyd) and Adams (Niko Terho), whom Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) attempted to rescue before it was too late.

Despite successfully carrying out the operation, the tank was unintentionally opened, causing the flammable material to leak onto the operating room floor. The explosive conclusion of the season revealed that only Meredith and Warren (Jason George) have survived — for now.

After joining the show in season 19 as Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan, Shum Jr. expressed his apprehension about his future on Grey’s Anatomy.

“When the writers approach me to discuss something, it’s always with the fear, ‘Oh, please don’t let it be that reason.’ But that uncertainty keeps everyone alert. I think that’s part of the show’s appeal,” he shared with Us. “This particular cliffhanger — it seems to resonate with fans in a different way than others. That speaks volumes. There have been many cliffhangers throughout the series, so it’s nice to hear that.”

Fans are eagerly anticipating the revelation of who survived and who perished when season 22 premieres this fall. Additionally, there are lingering questions regarding Jo’s announcement to her husband Dr. Atticus Lincoln (Chris Carmack) about her unexpected pregnancy.

“I just hope he’s still alive,” Luddington expressed. “And if there are injuries, what those might be and how they will affect them — I truly have no idea. That concerns me a lot.”

She added, “I really wish for my [onscreen] husband to be OK. Jo needs that support. They must lean on each other, especially with two kids and another two on the way — it’s going to be quite a lot.”

Prior to returning to film season 22, Luddington and Shum Jr. attended the Motion Picture & Television Fund event to lend their support.

“We often refer to ourselves as an industry. This organization reminds us that we are all interconnected, especially in times of crisis. Today we’re here for wildfire relief,” Luddington shared. “I remember when the strikes and COVID occurred — they provided crucial mental health support and housing for those in need. It’s vital to show up for those who support us.”

Shum Jr. emphasized the importance of giving back to the creative community, saying, “One of the most significant aspects of entering this industry is looking out for your peers. During my times of need, the support system was invaluable. Whether it’s MPTF or simply being surrounded by people willing to lend a hand, it really helps navigate through challenges because being an artist is tough enough.”

Grey’s Anatomy is currently available for streaming on Hulu.