After the shocking death of Rudy Pankow‘s Outer Banks character JJ at the end of season 4, fans are convinced that the show’s creators may have been planning to give him the boot for awhile due to some behind-the-scenes drama.

Is Rudy Pankow leaving ‘Outer Banks’?

As Rudy’s character dies at the end of season 4, it looks like he won’t be returning for season 5 — although a flashback cameo is always possible. While most fans were shocked by JJ’s death, some weren’t surprised, as rumors of his departure first sparked after his August 2024 interview with Backstage went viral.

“I’m so thankful to be in this position…to be working on this craft with these characters. But I know that’s not going to last forever,” he told the outlet. He then went on to discuss what he plans to “focus on when something’s over.”

Does Rudy Pankow have a feud with the ‘OBX’ cast?

Feud rumors between Rudy and the cast of Outer Banks have started surfacing over the years, especially as it pertains with his relationship to Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara (JJ’s girlfriend) on the show.

ICYMI, the show has Madison’s character involved in several romantic plot lines — from Chase Stokes‘ John B in the first season and her short-lived relationship with Jonathan Daviss‘ Pope in season 2. However, since the show began, fans have shipped her character with Rudy’s JJ — which has caused a bit of an uncomfortable situation for the actors.

Before season 4 press began, Madison and Rudy hadn’t done an interview together for years. Additionally, when the cast of OBX is spotted out and about while filming, Rudy is usually nowhere to be seen — which has caused fans to believe that something may have happened behind-the-scenes between the actor and his castmates.

It’s also worth noting that Rudy’s girlfriend, Elaine Siemek, is an Outer Banks showrunner assistant, who has been working on the series since production began on season 1. Since their relationship went public, Rudy’s girlfriend has found herself at the center of several controversies.

Adding to the unfolding backstage issues, eagle-eyed fans also noticed that one of the show’s co-creators, Jonas Pate, allegedly unfollowed Rudy and Elaine on social media.

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