Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford, who are married in real life, have announced that they will be exiting their series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow during the upcoming fifth season.
While Brandon, who plays Ray Palmer/Atom, has been a series regular from the beginning of the show, Courtney joined in season three as Nora Darhk and was promoted to regular in season four.
Just like in real life, Brandon and Courtney are a couple on the show.
“Brandon and Courtney have been invaluable members of the Legends family,” series executive producers Phil Klemmer, Grianne Godfree and Keto Shimizu said in a statement to Deadline. “They have always brought a level passion and collaboration to their characters and to the show — both on and off the screen – that we deeply admire and for which we are eternally grateful.”
The reason for the departure is said to be a creative one as their characters’ storylines will be wrapped.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring the big-hearted and humorous Ray Palmer to life for our fans over the last 5 years, but unfortunately, his storyline is pointed in another direction,” Brandon said in a statement. ” I’m saddened to see Ray’s journey end for now but wish my Legends family well.”
Courtney added, “Nora Darhk is very close to my heart. If it were my choice, I’d play her for years to come. But I understand that stories run their course, and I’m grateful for the time I did have bringing Nora to life on Legends of Tomorrow.”
