Another familiar face will be returning to Neptune for the highly anticipated Veronica Mars revival, with Ryan Hansen set for season 4. The neo-noir series, created by Rob Thomas, first debuted in 2004. The show, starring Kristen Bell in the titular role, told the story of a high school student who often moonlighted as a private detective. Exploring a myriad of real-world issues such as rape and class warfare, the show lasted for three seasons before being canceled in 2007. Regardless, the show maintained an extremely passionate fan base. In 2013, Thomas mobilized them via a crowdfunding campaign to resurrect Veronica Mars as a movie.
The movie served to wrap up lingering plot threads, giving fans the closure the show’s cancellation robbed them of receiving. This was most notable in terms of Veronica Mars’ on-again, off-again relationship with former bad-boy, Logan Echolls. After returning to town, Veronica, despite switching careers to become a lawyer, found herself drawn into another mystery. By the conclusion, Veronica actively chose to reconcile with her old flame over her then-current boyfriend, Piz and took over her father’s investigation company. Although the ending was largely well-received by fans, there was always hope for further adventures. Earlier in the year, Hulu granted fans their wish, confirming that Veronica Mars would return.
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According to The Wrap, Ryan Hansen will be returning as the fan-favorite character, Dick Casablancas. Hansen was a part of the show from the very beginning, recurring in season 1 before being upgraded into the main cast for seasons 2 and 3. He also reprised his role in the continuation, as well as a meta eight-part web-series set behind the scenes of the film. Hansen won’t be the only one returning, with other previous cast members already confirmed.
The character was largely a comedic foil, though occasionally got to exhibit more heart underneath all the bravado. He often found himself somehow centrally connected to various mysteries, especially in regards to the main ones in season 2 and the movie. That trend already looks set to continue, with the character’s father, Richard Casablancas, confirmed to have a significant part in the limited series. It remains to be seen just how big of a role Dick himself will have in the episodes, but as a member of one of the show’s richest families, he will no doubt play a role in the class war that will reportedly rage throughout Neptune. With the series set to feature a more adult approach to the previously teen-orientated series, there is also much in the way of comedic and dramatic possibilities for the character.
With Thomas currently wrapping up the final season of iZombie and Bell as busy as ever on The Good Place, news on the actual production is relatively scarce at the moment. Hansen’s return, however, is sure to be a pleasing one to fans and a step in the right direction towards fanning the flames of hype. All they need now is to confirm the return of Tina Majorino, who played Veronica’s friend and resident hacker, Mac, and the excitement really will hit fever pitch.
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Veronica Mars season 4 – as well as all previous seasons and the movie – will be available on Hulu in summer 2019.
