'Sleepy Hollow' Season 4 Release Date, News & Update: Tom Mison Opens Up About Abbie Mills? 'SH' Valued Nicole Beharie As A Woman Of Color?

"Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star Tom Mison, who plays Ichabod Crane, finally spoke up about the devastating loss of Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills from the hit Fox series. According to the "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star, Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills was a key member of the show, more especially as a woman of color.

Public Outrage Over 'Sleepy Hollow' Exit Of Nicole Beharie As Abbie Mills

Outrage broke out when Abbie Mills was killed off in a sacrificial close for "Sleepy Hollow Season 3." Like Abbie Mills, actors Nikki Reed and Zach Appelman are not returning for "Sleepy Hollow Season 4," but fan reaction did not reach the same magnitude as the reaction over Nicole Beharie.

Although the death of Abbie Mills in "Sleepy Hollow Season 3" made for one of the strongest finales of a series, viewers felt offended by her exit. Many saw the treatment of Nicole Beharie and Abbie Mills on "Sleepy Hollow Season 3" as an issue of color.

'Sleepy Hollow Season 3' Finale Brings Out Ongoing Color Issue With Abbie Mills' Death

Los Angeles Times points out that much like Abbie Mills on "Sleepy Hollow Season 3," people of color seem to frequently do the dying in most TV series. A number of fans have threatened a boycott of "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" as a result.

Respect For Nicole Beharie And Abbie Mills In 'Sleepy Hollow'

TVLine reports that "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star Tom Mison highlighted the role of Abbie Mills as a symbol in the show. According to the "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star, the writers of the show actually enjoyed developing Abbie Mills' character throughout the series.

"Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star Tom Mison also acknowledged that having Nicole Beharie exit Abbie Mills from the show is more complicated than a character's end. Tom Mison shared that he sympathizes with fan sentiment but assures fans that the "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" star remains friends with Nicole Beharie even after Abbie Mills' exit.

'Sleepy Hollow Season 4' Work Begins Soon

Tom Mison also revealed that preparations for "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" are underway. This included Tom Mison getting his hair ready for "Sleepy Hollow Season 4" production work.

"Sleepy Hollow Season 4" will begin shooting in July. The firmed date is still being finalized for when Tom Mison and returning cast will premiere "Sleepy Hollow Season 4."