Manifest’s Matt Long has confirmed he is returning for season 4. The supernatural drama, which revolves around the mysterious reappearance of the passengers and crew of a commercial airliner, has been the focus of many headlines since it was canceled by NBC in June due to low ratings. Fans have rallied to save the series, taking to social media to express their support. Ultimately, thanks in part to the drama’s strong performance on Netflix, a deal was reached for the streaming service to revive Manifest for a fourth and final season.
It was recently reported that several of Mainfest’s main actors have secured deals to come back for season 4, which will consist of 20 episodes. That includes Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, J.R. Ramirez, Parveen Kaur, Luna Blaise, and Holly Taylor. Matt Long has played Zeke Landon since episode 12 of season 1.
According to Deadline, Long revealed that he would be returning for the end of Manifest. Speaking at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, the actor stressed that he wasn’t sure how many episodes he’d get to appear in, explaining that he had signed on to star in another pilot when the show was initially canceled. Still, the actor expressed his eagerness to participate in the Netflix revival as much as his schedule would allow. Read Long’s full quote below:
“I will be back for some of it, we’re just trying to find out the maximum I can do. I love the character in the show so much, but as you know, when the show was canceled I booked another show. It was a pilot. We don’t know what’s happening with it yet. It’s also a really awesome project. So we’re just trying to work out schedules. Everybody wants the best thing for everyone so fingers crossed it all works out for the best.”
The pilot that Long is referring to is titled Getaway, a drama from writers JJ Bailey and Moira Kirkland. Focusing on a destination wedding at an island that goes wrong, the story kicks into high gear when a group of criminals takes the island hostage. If the series gets up at NBC, Long will star alongside Marg Helgenberger, Jasmine Mathews, and E.J. Bonilla. Still, given that Zeke has been such an important character in Manifest, fans are understandably hopeful that he’ll be a significant part of Netflix’s revival.
The final season would have to answer the question of Zeke’s new powers and their purpose. In an important arc, the character developed the ability to feel the emotions of others. He has since used that gift to resolve conflicts. While it has been theorized that Zeke’s power is a reward for surviving the ordeal, that has yet to be clarified. Hopefully, regardless of what happens with Long’s next project, the writers on Manifest will be able to craft a satisfying send-off for one of the main protagonists of the series. And, if nothing else, at least Zeke will return to the show in some capacity.
Source: Deadline