Damian Lewis has confirmed he is leaving the Showtime series Billions after five seasons as a main cast member. The 50-year-old English actor has played the role of Bobby ‘Axe’ Axelrod in the popular drama series since its debut in 2016. Billions follows Axelrod, alongside a stacked supporting cast, engaged in a legal battle of wits with Paul Giamatti’s US Attorney Chuck Rhoades.
Billions season 5 began in May of 2020, with the season 5 finale episode “No Direction Home” airing on Sunday, October 3rd 2021. Midway through the fifth season, Billions was officially renewed for a sixth season on October 1st 2020, just over a year ago. Up to the recent finale, Damian Lewis has been credited with appearing in all 60 episodes of the hit show. Other cast members who match his complete attendance include Maggie Siff’s Wendy Rhoades and David Costabile as Mike ‘Wags’ Wagner.
Damian Lewis tweeted, following an announcement from Showtime, to confirm his departure from the show. In the tweet, Lewis praises his co-stars and crew members, calling them the “Billions family.” Reflecting on his time on the show for the last five years, he goes on to call his role “more than just a job.” Lewis’ tweet comes just hours after his final appearance as a principal character on the series aired to audiences.
Adding to the changes in the series cast rota, Corey Stoll is one of the members who has been promoted to series regular from guest star. Stoll joined the show in its latest season as a new threat to Lewis’ Axe. He could also potentially be just the star needed to replace Lewis as the morally-grey protagonist.
Lewis will leave behind big shoes to fill after such a long-established role on the program. He rose to TV stardom with Band of Brothers and Homeland and has made a name for himself as a TV leading man. In Billions, Lewis’ performance as Axelrod has met positive reviews, and earned him two nominations for the Satellite Award for Best Actor in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Whatever his reasons for exiting the show, it surely won’t be long before he seeks a new challenge, and Billions will live on with its remaining cast as it returns for a sixth season in 2022.
Billions Season 6 is set to premiere January 23rd 2022.
Source: Damian Lewis