‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Spoilers: New Special Agent Arrives To Replace BAU Chief Hotchner?

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 2 is expected to be Thomas Gibson's last appearance on the show as Aaron Hotchner. As Gibson exits, a new character named Special Agent Stephen Walker will reportedly arrive which will be portrayed by "The Divide" actor Damon Gupton.

In a statement from "Criminal Minds" showrunner Erica Messer, she confirmed that Gupton will join the "Criminal Minds" BAU family. Messer said, "We're excited to have Damon join the show and work alongside our amazing cast and crew," People reported.

Gupton will reportedly appear on the eighth episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12. His character, Special Agent Walker, is speculated to replace Hotchner in the BAU team but this has not been confirmed yet.

So, it remains to be seen whether someone from the current BAU team would replace Hotchner or is it really Special Agent Walker who will be the next BAU Unit Chief and Senior Supervisory Special Agent. No reports reveal how Special Agent Walker will enter the "Criminal Minds" BAU team as well.

Additionally, the premiere episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 did not give a hint on how Hotchner is going to exit the show. However, it is already confirmed that Gibson will no longer join "Criminal Minds" so fans may just need to wait on how Hotchner is going to say goodbye to his BAU team and how Special Agent Walker walks into the show.

Meanwhile, apart from his role on "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Gupton has already played detective roles on other shows such as "Prime Suspect," "Empire" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," Yahoo News reported. His previous portrayals may help him bring life to Special Agent Walker who is described by CBS Network as a "seasoned profiler who will bring his spy-hunting skill set to the behavioural analysis unit," CBC reported.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 2 is titled "Sick Day." The show airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m.

Watch Criminal Minds opening credits below.