Chicago Fire fans have grown accustomed to the high-stakes drama, intense rescues, and deep character arcs that define NBC’s long-running One Chicago franchise. Season 14 has delivered plenty of emotional twists, from personal struggles to life-or-death calls. However, a major casting shake-up is on the horizon that has left viewers buzzing with questions and concern. Dermot Mulroney, who portrays the steadfast Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, is set to take a hiatus for part of Season 14. Stepping into the leadership role during his absence will be Rob Morgan as the new recurring character, Battalion Chief Hopkins. This change promises fresh dynamics at Firehouse 51 while raising speculation about Pascal’s future and what it means for the beloved series.
In this article, we dive deep into the details of Dermot Mulroney’s hiatus from Chicago Fire, the introduction of Rob Morgan, what we know about Battalion Chief Hopkins, fan reactions, and how this storyline fits into the broader evolution of Chicago Fire Season 14.
Who Is Dermot Mulroney in Chicago Fire? Dermot Mulroney joined the Chicago Fire cast in Season 12 as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, bringing gravitas and complexity to the leadership position at Firehouse 51. Pascal replaced the long-time chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to Mulroney’s nuanced performance. His character is known for tough decision-making, hidden vulnerabilities, and a no-nonsense approach to firefighting that often clashes with the more personal styles of firefighters like Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd.
Mulroney’s addition was widely praised for injecting new energy into the series. With his extensive resume—including standout roles in My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Wedding Date, and more recently Scream VI and The Righteous Gemstones—he elevated the Battalion Chief role beyond a simple authority figure. Pascal’s journey has included dealing with departmental politics, mentoring younger firefighters, and confronting personal demons, making his temporary exit a significant plot development.
Details on Dermot Mulroney’s Hiatus in Season 14 According to reports from Deadline and confirmed by multiple outlets including People and TV Insider, Dermot Mulroney will be absent from Chicago Fire for a portion of Season 14 following Episode 14. The hiatus is storyline-driven, meaning Pascal’s departure will be explained within the narrative rather than being a sudden actor exit. He is expected to appear in the upcoming One Chicago crossover event (scheduled for March 4 in some reports), which unites Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. before his on-screen break begins.
Mulroney’s time away will cover several episodes toward the end of the season, including key dramatic moments leading into the finale. While the exact reason for Pascal’s absence hasn’t been fully detailed yet, hints suggest it involves personal or professional obligations that pull him away from Firehouse 51. Fans are already theorizing possibilities: a family emergency, a departmental investigation, or even a temporary reassignment that tests his resilience.
This isn’t the first time a major character has stepped back in Chicago Fire. The show has a history of using hiatuses, medical leaves, or undercover assignments to create tension and allow for character growth upon return. Mulroney’s hiatus appears designed to refresh the dynamics at the firehouse while keeping the door open for his eventual comeback.
Rob Morgan Joins Chicago Fire as Battalion Chief Hopkins To fill the leadership gap, NBC has cast acclaimed actor Rob Morgan in a recurring role as Battalion Chief Hopkins. Morgan will debut in Episode 16 and appear in four episodes total, including the Season 14 finale. His character is described as a veteran chief with a “long, haunted past” overseeing multiple Chicago firehouses. Hopkins brings a different energy—perhaps more rigid or shadowed by previous tragedies—compared to Pascal’s more balanced style.
Rob Morgan is no stranger to intense, character-driven roles. He has delivered memorable performances in Stranger Things (as Agent Stinson), The Wire, Mudbound, Da 5 Bloods (directed by Spike Lee), and Just Mercy. His ability to portray complex, layered individuals with quiet intensity makes him a perfect fit for a Battalion Chief role that could challenge the Firehouse 51 team in new ways.
Hopkins’ arrival is expected to create friction and growth opportunities. Will he clash with Severide’s risk-taking tendencies? How will he handle the tight-knit family dynamic at 51? Early indications suggest Hopkins carries emotional baggage that could lead to compelling storylines, especially as the season builds toward its climax.
Why This Casting Change Matters for Chicago Fire Season 14 Chicago Fire has thrived for over a decade by balancing high-octane rescue sequences with heartfelt character development. Leadership changes often serve as catalysts for ensemble evolution. Boden’s eventual transition out and Pascal’s arrival already shifted power dynamics; now Hopkins’ temporary command introduces uncertainty.
This hiatus and recast allow the writers to explore themes like legacy, trauma in first responders, and adapting to new authority. It also keeps the series fresh after 14 seasons, preventing stagnation while honoring long-time viewers’ investment in characters like Pascal.
Fan discussions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) show a mix of emotions. Many express disappointment at Mulroney’s temporary exit, with comments like “Don’t want Dermot Mulroney to go” trending in fan circles. Others are intrigued by Morgan’s casting, citing his strong track record and excitement for a “haunted” chief who might bring darker, more introspective arcs.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward As Chicago Fire Season 14 progresses, viewers should brace for emotional farewells (at least temporary) to Pascal, intense calls that test the team under new leadership, and potential revelations about Hopkins’ backstory. The crossover episode will likely serve as a bridge, giving Mulroney one last showcase before his break.
Whether Pascal returns full-time or the show uses this as a springboard for bigger changes remains to be seen. What is clear is that Chicago Fire continues to evolve, keeping loyal fans engaged with surprises and strong performances.
Conclusion The news of Dermot Mulroney’s hiatus from Chicago Fire Season 14 and Rob Morgan’s casting as Battalion Chief Hopkins marks one of the most significant developments in the current season. While fans may miss Mulroney’s commanding presence as Chief Pascal, the introduction of Morgan’s haunted, experienced Hopkins promises fresh conflict, deeper character exploration, and renewed drama at Firehouse 51.
Chicago Fire has always excelled at turning change into opportunity, and this storyline appears poised to do just that. Stay tuned to NBC for the remaining episodes of Season 14—where leadership shifts, personal stakes, and heroic rescues continue to define this enduring series. Whether Pascal’s absence is brief or leads to lasting impact, one thing is certain: Firehouse 51’s story is far from over.
