The Astonishing Behind-the-Scenes Maneuver: How ‘Criminal Minds’ Filmed Will’s Death Without Josh Stewart

The creative team behind Criminal Minds pulled off an emotional masterstroke when they filmed the heartbreaking death of Will LaMontagne Jr. without actor Josh Stewart ever stepping on set. A.J. Cook, who portrays Will’s on-screen wife JJ, recently opened up about the clever behind-the-scenes work that made the scene possible.

“People don’t know this, I guess,” she revealed to TVLine on Monday, May 26. “But he wasn’t coming back to the show. Our writers had to get very creative.”

Stewart did not return for filming of seasons 2 or 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution. Cook reflected on the sensitivity surrounding the storyline, especially given its roots in a past cancer subplot. “Remember the cancer storyline we wrote in during Evolution’s first season? We were so worried Josh would think his character was going to die, we pulled a scene of Will collapsing. That’s how badly we didn’t want to lose him.”

Showrunner Erica Messer proved instrumental in navigating the challenge. “Erica remembered a scene we had never used,” Cook said. “She put together this really complicated puzzle using old footage, and somehow it just worked. It’s crazy how things fell into place, but it speaks volumes about how deeply we cared for this character and his family.”

On the May 15 episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount Plus, the emotional tension reached a peak. Will collapsed from a sudden headache, prompting JJ and her team to rush to the hospital. The moment fans had feared came true — Will had passed away. His exit marked the end of an era, as Stewart had portrayed the beloved character since 2007.

Earlier in January 2024, Stewart confirmed his departure on X, writing, “Sadly, my days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. are over. You guys have been the absolute best.”

Actor Adam Rodriguez, who plays Luke, weighed in on the storyline in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “He’s not someone you want to see die. But it gave A.J. a moment to shine as an actress. She’s incredibly talented, and this story gave her a chance to explore something deep and real.”

Rodriguez acknowledged the storyline might divide fans. “JJ and the audience have always been strong. But this gave her a moment of vulnerability. Of course, she has to stay strong for her family, but now we get to see the softer side. It’s a beautiful, painful, and human moment.”

New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution stream Thursdays on Paramount Plus.