Flynn suggested in an Instagram post in May 2024 that he left Chicago Fire after he was cast in Season 4 of the MGM+ series, Godfather of Harlem, which tells a fictionalized story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson. “Open up my window again…grateful szn 4 otw, he captioned a screenshot of an article announcing his role.
In an interview with Deadline in August 2024, however, Flynn denied that he left Chicago Fire for Godfather of Harlem and confirmed that the new series just happened to line up after his exit from Chicago Fire.
“They were not connected at all. I did not leave that show for this one,” he said. “Everything just happened to turn out that way. It’s like you have your people but you won’t be with all of them forever. Sometimes, you meet a new person and you connect. I loved my time there. I love the cast and the crew and I miss them a lot. But we all have our own journeys, and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Now, I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity because it’s giving me the chance to step into a life like I’ve never done before.”
In Godfather of Harlem, Flynn will play real-life gangster Frank Lucas, who is described as a country boy from North Carolina who ventured to Harlem and, after initial friction with gangster Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), eventually rose to become Bumpy’s fierce defender and right-hand man.” Denzel Washington portrayed Lucas in the 2007 movie American Gangster, which is set 10 years later than Lucas’ story in Godfather of Harlem.
“When I saw Rome’s audition, I immediately knew we’d found our man – equal parts charming and ruthless, savvy and suave. Rome is a wonderful actor who can go toe-to-toe with Forest Whitaker and our other great performers,” said creator Chris Brancato in a statement to Deadline.
Following Gibson’s exit from Chicago Fire, Flynn opened up about his character’s departure in an interview with Variety in April 2024. “Just like all the fans, I was sad to see Gibson leave. He was a character I very much enjoyed playing,” he told the outlet shortly after his final appearance. “I had a wonderful experience during my time on Chicago Fire and have great respect for the cast and crew and hope to team up with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”
