Brendan Hunt says Ted Lasso team hoped to bring Anthony Head back

Ted Lasso co-creator Brendan Hunt revealed that the production team made an outside attempt to bring late actor Anthony Head back for the Season 4 finale, Deadline reported. Head died on June 1 at the age of 72, before the fourth season finished its production on Apple TV. The sports dramedy referenced his villainous character, Rupert Mannion, in several episodes and included an In Memoriam tribute card in Episode 409.

Brendan Hunt Details Rupert Mannion Finale Plans

Hunt explained to Deadline that the creative team hoped to feature Head in the season closer. We had an outside hope of bringing him back in the last episode, Hunt said. We were told that that was not going to be possible. So yeah, we had an idea for a little thing but it was not going to happen.

Head likely would have appeared in the finale’s shareholders meeting showdown scene. Rupert’s Season 4 storyline began in Episode 8 when characters suspected him of secretly buying out AFC Richmond shares to wrest control of the football club away from his ex-wife Rebecca, played by Hannah Waddingham. By the end of Episode 9, the show revealed that the actual culprit was Zelda, played by Tracey Ullman, who acted as Rebecca’s supposed ally and backer of the Richmond women’s team.

Cast Members Express Surprise Over Anthony Head Health

Annette Badland, who portrayed pub owner Mae on the show, told Deadline that she remained unaware of Head’s declining health during production. I assumed he would be in this last [season], and didn’t know, as I think very few people knew, he was ill and just couldn’t do it, Badland said. Head’s prior health issues were not made public before his death.

AFC Richmond Faces Uncertainty Regarding Rupert Mannion Fate in Season 5

Apple TV has not yet officially renewed Ted Lasso for a fifth season, though a renewal is expected shortly. Because production on Season 4 wrapped before Head died, the writers face a decision regarding whether Rupert Mannion will also pass away on the show in accordance with television tradition.

I don’t know, Hunt told Deadline when asked about the character’s future. I mean, he didn’t pass until after we shot everything, so we’ll have to figure that out when and if we get the chance to reconvene.

Unresolved Questions Remain for Ted Lasso Future

As viewers digest the Season 4 finale, several plot threads remain open without official confirmation from Apple regarding a fifth season pickup. Alongside the question of how the series will address Rupert Mannion’s absence on screen, fans are left wondering how Alice will handle her new role as head coach of the women’s team, whether Roy Kent will successfully balance being a new dad with his new position at Chelsea, and how Rebecca’s wedding to Matthijs will unfold if production continues.