With the Dr. Derek Shephard being killed off in "Grey's Anatomy' last season, series creator Shonda Rhimes recently opened up about the role of new cast member Martin Henderson.
While speaking at the 2015 Television Critics Association summer press tour, Rhimes made it clear that Henderson did not sign on to the series as a replacement for Patrick Dempsey on the hit ABC series.
Rhimes also mentioned that Henderson's character will be introduced during the earlier episodes of season 12. The executive producer also admitted that she still cannot figure out how she will introduce Henderson's character, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
When asked whether the "Torque' star will play a character that will soon replace Dempsey's McDreamy on the show, Rhimes explained, "That's not really the point. Meredith's on a journey, Meredith's always been on a journey, and I'm taking her where the journey leads her, so we'll see what she feels like."
Ellen Pompeo, who takes on the role of Meredith on "Grey's Anatomy,' opened up about how she thinks the show will continue with Derek Shepherd gone is no longer around.
"Every time we've lost a major character - we've had such amazing characters on the show and every time we've lost one, it's been devastating and sad. You think, 'How can the show go on?' But that's how the writers find inspiration. So the loss of the big characters is exactly how the show does go on," Pompeo shared.
In addition, Rhimes also spoke of how April (Sarah Drew) and Jackson's (Jesse Williams) marriage will end up. In "Grey's Anatomy' season 11, Jackson challenged April to not re-enlist in the service. However, the showrunner revealed that in season 12, April did sign up, which could eventually bring on certain consequences on her relationship with her partner.
In addition, viewers can also look forward to Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona's (Jessica Capshaw) own storylines as Rhimes shared that the two will be moving on and could finally have company in new romantic interests.
"Definitely some new romances for them this season, and some pretty exciting ones, too, which I think are going to be kind of interesting," Rhimes said.
Meanwhile, ABC entertainment president Paul Lee recently assured fans that he expects the medical drama series to continue for many more years.
"We have no reason to expect that Grey's Anatomy won't go on for many years to come," he said at his network's TCA executive session on Aug. 4. Offering positive words for Rhimes' efforts, Lee believes that the program is performing at its best.
"We've seen the pitch for "Grey's' for next season. The show reinvents itself again,' he stated.
ABC's "Grey's Anatomy' season 12 will make its official premiere on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
