Emilio Estevez Speaks Out About 'The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers' Exit

Emilio Estevez is addressing the reason why he will not be returning for season two of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.

The actor reprised his role of Coach Gordon Bombay for the Disney+ sequel series, and last week, it was revealed that he won’t be back for the second season.

In a new letter regarding his exit, Emilio addressed the speculation of him being anti-vaxx as to why he won’t return.

Find out what he shared inside…

Via Deadline, the actor said that he is indeed “not anti-vaxx. Full stop,” and that he has actually been suffering “Long Haul Syndrome” after contracting COVID-19 in early 2020.

“I take this pandemic very seriously, and I am often teased about my continued following of the safety protocols and my abundance of caution,” Emilio wrote in his letter. “I want to address what transpired and clear up some falsehoods which appeared in an article regarding my decision to depart ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.’”

“In the final analysis, this was nothing more than a good old fashioned contract dispute and not, as some would believe an anti-vaccine position,” he added, saying, “My exit from the show was due to a myriad of creative differences – any other narrative is false.”

“To the fans of the franchise – I am as disappointed as you are,” Emilio continued. “To my ‘Ducks’ cast and crew – have a wonderful Season 2 on the show and please know that I will miss you all.”

“It was an honor and a thrill to be able to return as the iconic and beloved character, Gordon Bombay, a character which has been a celebrated benchmark in my 40 year career. And I thank the studio and the producers for creating an opportunity to allow me to visit him again.”

You can read his full letter over on Deadline, where he details his journey with COVID-19.