While initially disheartened by Chief Boden’s sudden exit from Chicago Fire,

the TV show’s replacement for Eamonn Walker’s character has lightened my

spirits, making me much more excited about season 13. The NBC procedural

drama series, created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, debuted in 2012 and was an immediate victory for the network. Chicago Fire ultimately spawned a One Chicago franchise consisting of four shows, most of which have obtained similar success. Part of the reason why Chicago Fire has been so triumphant is because of its cast, and one of the original members was Walker as Chief Boden.

After 12 seasons of serving Firehouse 51, Walker’s Wallace Boden left Chicago Fire before season 13. Boden was promoted to Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, meaning he had to say goodbye to his family at Firehouse 51. He applied for the position after learning that Jude Robinson had a good chance of being appointed Deputy Fire Commissioner. Given his expertise and high recommendations, Boden easily got the job. Of course, the promotion was exciting for Boden, but I couldn’t help but feel disappointed because of Walker’s tenure on the show. Thankfully, Boden has a worthy replacement lined up.

Dermot Mulroney Is Boden’s Replacement In Chicago Fire – Who Is Dom Pascal?
Boden Left Firehouse 51 During The Chicago Fire Season 12 Finale

A few months after the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, NBC cast Dermot Mulroney as Chief Boden’s replacement in season 13. Mulroney is set to play Chief Dom Pascal when the procedural drama returns in the fall of 2024. The network has not released or confirmed any specific details about Mulroney’s character other than the fact that he is taking over for Chief Boden at Firehouse 51. However, according to Deadline, some information about Pascal has leaked.

Pascal is reportedly a veteran firefighter who got his start with the Chicago Fire Department. For the past 10 years, though, Pascal has worked as a chief at a fire department in Miami, and he is estranged from his wife. Some of Pascal’s other rumored attributes include that he is cheery and works great under pressure (a fantastic quality to have as a fire chief). Ultimately, Mulroney’s Pascal will be quite different from Boden, which may or may not cause some friction at Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire season 13 after Boden’s exit.

Dermot Mulroney’s Chicago Fire Season 13 Casting Is Great News
Dermot Mulroney Is An Experienced & Talented Actor

No matter who Dom Pascal exactly is when Chicago Fire season 13 releases, Dermot Mulroney starring as Firehouse 51’s new chief is a huge step in the right direction after the disappointment felt by Chief Boden’s exit. Mulroney is a veteran actor who has proven his ability to play a wide variety of characters. From appearing as Michael in the 1997 rom-com My Best Friend’s Wedding to Wayne in Scream VI, Mulroney has taken on numerous differing roles throughout his long career. Consequently, Mulroney is one of the best actors that NBC could have hired for Chicago Fire season 13.

Losing Chief Boden, a character who has been around since season 1, was rough, but the future is bright with Mulroney.

While Mulroney is undoubtedly more known for his film career, he has also made quite a few notable appearances on TV. For example, he played Russell in New Girl, Sean in Shameless, President Ritson in Secret Invasion, and more. So, it’s impressive and a delightful surprise that NBC was able to cast Mulroney in such a significant role in the cast of Chicago Fire season 13. Losing Chief Boden, a character who has been around since season 1, was rough, but the future is bright with Mulroney.

Could Boden Still Return In Chicago Fire, Despite Being Replaced?
Eamonn Walker Is Open To Reprising His Role In Future Episodes

Although Dermot Mulroney joining the Chicago Fire season 13 cast is beyond exciting, Chief Boden’s absence will still be felt when the new episodes come around. The good news is that the door is open for Boden to return. Eamonn Walker is expected to take on a recurring role in season 13, but it’s unclear if that means Boden will be in a couple of episodes or more. Given that Boden is now the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, it would make sense for him to cross paths with the other characters in Chicago Fire season 13.