‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Cast & Spoilers: What Happens To Hotch After Thomas Gibson Got Sacked?

Thomas Gibson's two-episode suspension turned into a permanent removal of the actor from "Criminal Minds." Now, what could happen to Special Agent Aaron Hotchner in "Criminal Minds" Season 12 ? Will his character be written off or will there be a recast?

Thomas Gibson has been fired from "Criminal Minds" after an on-set argument, where he reportedly kicked a producer. Since the 54-year-old actor has been part of the series for 12 years, it surely would not be easy to made changes with the story about his character, Hotch. Gibson's firing has been immediate that there was totally no chance to film a scene that would send him off.

According to TVLine, BAU Special Agent Aaron Hotchner will be leaving on a special assignment in the third episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12. Erica Messer mentioned to TVLine an arc where Hotch will be away temporarily after the Director sent him away for an assignment that was supposed to be turning into something big. In his absence, agent Emily Prentiss will be on duty. Hotch's absence for a couple of episodes looks like going to be permanent, that is if the management decided not to recast the role.

ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios said in a statement, "Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date."

In a statement released to Deadline, Gibson explained, "There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will."

"I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years," Gibson told TVLine. "I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won't be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have."

What do you think? Should "Criminal Minds" cut off Hotch or should there be a recast? Who would you like to take over Gibson's role?

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 premieres on Sept. 28.