Chicago Fire boss reveals details about season 12 newcomer

Chicago Fire is continuing to make changes behind the scenes. The show is already prepping for the return of some characters and the departure of others, but the biggest uncertainties lie in the people that are brand new to the show. There will be multiple newcomers gracing the screen in 2024.

While there's already been some context given for Jake Gibson (Rome Flynn), a former amateur boxer who joins the firehouse in season 12, it appears as though there will be another 51 hire who will cause trouble for the rest of the team. At least, according to Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman.

Chicago Fire boss confirms existence of another new character

Newman told TV Line that Gibson will be joined by another recruit, though the latter will be a bit more of a handful for veterans like Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker):

""There will be a new firefighter joining Truck 81, but not for the reasons anyone thinks. Of course, the newbie will be trouble with a capital T — but is it the good kind or the bad kind? We’ll find out….""

The showrunner's coyness regarding the new firefighter's true intentions leads us to wonder if this will be an instance of a character undergoing an arc similar to that of Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). Sam was introduced as an antagonistic force within the 51, especially given his tense dynamic with Stella Kidd, but he matured over the course of season 11 and is now seen as a relatively heroic presence within the firehouse.

Related: Chicago PD cast reunites with former co-star on IG

Given that Newman is teasing the possibility of the trouble being either "good" or "bad", we're inclined to think there's more to this newcomer than initially meets the eye. This is generally the case when it comes to Chicago Fire characters, especially if they are intended to take the place of series regulars.

The character's motivations will be unclear to fans

Chicago Fire has already confirmed that Gibson will debut in the second episode of season 12, and Alberto Rosende, the actor playing Blake Gallo, confirmed that he wrapped shooting before the rest of the Fire cast, which has many fans theorizing that his character will exit as early as the season premiere.

The firefighting drama will look more different than ever in season 12, but given the emphasis on establishing compelling new characters early on, the creative team is ensuring that it will continue to be a compelling watch. We can't wait.