Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for the All American season 6 finale!

All American star Daniel Ezra, who has been portraying Spencer James since the start of the show, has opened up about his decision to leave the series following the season 6 finale. All American season 6 has had plenty of twists and turns for the main character, including his successful bid to become an NFL player. After winning the Super Bowl with his team, he ends up getting married to Olivia, finally bringing his storyline in the show to a close.

Speaking with Deadline, Ezra explained his decision to exit All American following season 6, saying the story of Spencer joining the NFL prompted the move. The actor also revealed how he wants to branch out into new roles now that his time on the show is over, hoping to expand his horizons now that his character has reached his goals. Check out what Ezra had to say below:

It was about the end of Season 5, as things were gearing up for Season 6. When I learned that Season 6 was going to go into Spencer finally getting into the NFL…I realized that I had kind of completed the mission. I had done what I had set out to do in regards to playing Spencer. I’d always wanted to get him to the NFL. I’d always wanted him to put himself back together again and heal from his wounds and turn him into a man. I realized that, with this upcoming season, we had actually done that.

That, coupled with my own personal feelings career-wise, and just feeling ready myself for that next chapter and that next challenge. I’ve been playing this character for six years now. Everything in my gut felt like that. But I didn’t know that they were even going to say yes, that it was even something that was as much in my hands as it was. But again, this was a testament to [showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll]. She was open to at least just having a conversation and hearing me out. Our feelings aligned after a long conversation, and my feelings kind of inspired her to come up with this season-long goodbye for Spencer. It actually ended up being, I believe, the perfect time for it, a really great way to kind of close out this season. Hopefully moving forward [it will] take All American into a new place as well. So it just felt right on all fronts.

How All American Will Continue Into Season 7 Without Spencer

Despite Spencer no longer having a role to play in the show, All American season 7 has been confirmed by The CW, expected to continue the story following the main character’s exit. It’s currently unclear what the premise of the upcoming episodes is going to be, nor how many familiar faces from the football player’s arc of the story will be coming back. Given the show’s focus on the sport so far, it seems likely the premise will be maintained, although it’s unclear who will pick up the protagonist mantle going forward.

The best way for the series to continue without Spencer is if other All American characters return, even if the focus shifts to newcomers. This would make the transition to a new storyline much smoother, as some of the focus could still be on familiar faces, slowly ushering in the new faces. While this opens the door for the NFL player and his wife to come back in a guest appearance later on, it also means those whose stories aren’t yet complete can have a proper spotlight shone on their endeavors.

While the show is going to feel much emptier without Spencer in the lead role, the fact his character arc was completed means the series has served its original purpose. It also makes way for All American to evolve in different directions, emphasizing the widespread nature of its story and characters. With plenty of different ways the series can continue from here, though, the original protagonist will always be remembered for ushering in the series that unfolds after him.

Source: Deadline