“Grey’s Anatomy” Star Kevin McKidd Says He’d Return to the Show ‘in a Heartbeat’ (Exclusive)

Kevin McKidd has expressed a willingness to return to the beloved television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” following his character Owen Hunt’s poignant exit during the emotional finale of season 22. McKidd’s character departed Seattle alongside Teddy Altman, played by Kim Raver, to set out on a new journey in Paris. Despite this significant moment, the actor remains optimistic about Owen’s future in the series and his potential involvement behind the camera once more.

In a recent conversation, McKidd, who has played Owen for numerous seasons, conveyed his enthusiasm for rejoining the series. “I would do both in a heartbeat,” he stated, referring to his dual roles as an actor and director. “I love the character, Owen, and again, he’s not dead, so there’ll be a chance that that can happen.” He highlighted the deep-rooted sense of camaraderie he shares with the cast and crew, stating, “Because we really are a family there.”

Beyond his acting career, McKidd has carved out a significant role as a director on “Grey’s Anatomy,” having helmed nearly 45 episodes, including the recently aired season finale. He plans to return to directing soon, stating he hopes to be back in Los Angeles after completing filming on a psychological miniseries titled “The Only Suspect.” He expressed eagerness to take the directing reins on one of the first episodes of the next season.

McKidd is also looking to expand his creative horizons through his production company, Ferryman Films, which recently entered into a partnership with STV Studios. “We have a slate of quite a lot of projects that are all at different stages of development,” he noted, hinting at the exciting ventures on the horizon.

Reflecting on Owen’s concluding storyline, McKidd conveyed that while it was bittersweet to say goodbye, he was pleased with the character’s hopeful ending alongside Raver’s Teddy. He noted the emotional weight of the farewell, both on and off the screen. “A lot of the crew really struggled with it,” he said, acknowledging the close bonds formed over the years. Many crew members took the time to pen letters and cards to McKidd, sharing their experiences and gratitude for the time spent together.

The connection shared between McKidd and Raver also made their exit more poignant. The duo has demonstrated a strong professional rapport throughout the series, making the thought of their separation a difficult one. “We both really value working together,” McKidd remarked, highlighting the emotional toll of their farewell while still honouring the positive ending for their characters.

In reflecting upon Owen’s trajectory over the years, McKidd noted that he had previously hoped for a more dramatic exit for his character. “I always thought Owen should kind of have a heroic death… because he came into the show as this damaged war veteran,” he confessed. However, he recognised the need for a hopeful narrative in light of the darker themes present in contemporary society. “The world is quite dark and scary at the moment… writing the story of rebirth and a new chapter felt needed.”

In the finale, Owen’s act of heroism during a bridge collapse showcased his growth as a character. McKidd elaborated on this defining moment, stating that it symbolically closed the chapter on his past trauma. “When we meet him, he’s basically a broken, traumatized war veteran,” he explained, indicating that rescuing a family mirrored his character’s loss in war. “It healed that wound.”

Addressing the polarising nature of Owen’s character, McKidd acknowledged that it was intentional for him to provoke strong opinions among viewers. “Owen can be quite a polarising character, and that’s only a good thing,” he stated, explaining that series creator Shonda Rhimes designed him to fuel discussions and debates among fans.

As for his partnership with Raver, McKidd praised her commitment to creating emotional authenticity in their scenes together. “She’s always digging to try and excavate underneath the dialogue to see what’s really going on,” he said, adding that their shared humour made working together enjoyable. “She’s a terrible giggler,” he quipped, underlining Raver’s ability to balance professionalism with a light-hearted spirit.

As McKidd contemplates what lies ahead in his career, the legacy of Owen Hunt on “Grey’s Anatomy” appears far from over. Whether or not he returns to Seattle to reprise his role, his connection to the series and its crew will undoubtedly continue to resonate. With new projects on the horizon and the potential for Owen’s story to evolve, fans of the drama can remain hopeful about the future.