It’s a bittersweet moment for Virgin River fans. While we’re getting more flashbacks in Season 7, the long-awaited prequel spinoff is still nowhere to be seen. Here’s everything you need to know about Callum Kerr’s return, the mystery surrounding the prequel, and what it all means for the future of Virgin River.
🎬 Callum Kerr’s Return: More Flashbacks to the Past! 🎬
Callum Kerr—who fans will remember as young Everett from the backdoor pilot in Season 6—is officially returning for more flashbacks in Season 7! Confirmed via an Instagram post, Callum shared a cryptic message asking, “Are we running this back?” And the answer is yes! The actor will reprise his role in what promises to be an emotional dive into the past of Everett.
But here’s the catch: While fans were hoping for the much-discussed prequel spinoff, Kerr’s return isn’t for that series, which still remains unconfirmed. Instead, we’ll be getting more flashback scenes that explore Everett’s relationship with Sarah (played by Jessica Rothe), Mel’s mother. Will Kerr return with Rothe? It’s still up in the air, but fans are hopeful!
💔 What Does Callum Kerr’s Return Mean for Mel and Jack’s Journey? 💔
If both Kerr and Rothe reprise their roles, it’s likely that Season 7 will give us deeper insights into the past romance between Everett and Sarah. Given that Mel and Jack’s journey toward starting a family is a central theme this season, these flashbacks may have emotional resonance for their current storyline.
Everett, with his long-standing presence in Virgin River, also opens the door to explore connections to other characters. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith previously hinted at the possibility of diving into Hope’s past, including her marriage to Roland (played by John Ralston), and connecting Everett to more citizens of Virgin River. These threads could add complexity to the flashbacks and enrich the overall narrative.
📝 The Virgin River Prequel Spinoff: What’s Going On? 📝
Back in February 2024, Netflix announced plans for a Virgin River prequel series. Developed by Patrick Sean Smith, with Richard Keith and Erin Cardillo attached, it was set to explore the origins of several beloved characters. But since the announcement, fans have heard little to nothing.
The script was still being worked on as of Season 6 press rounds, but more than a year later, there’s been no official green light or production updates. As for Kerr’s return in Season 7, this seems to signal a stall—or perhaps the quiet end—of the prequel series. A Netflix representative confirmed to us that the spinoff has not been greenlit.
🤔 Fans Share Mixed Reactions on Social Media 🤔
Reactions to the proposed Virgin River prequel have been a mixed bag. On the one hand, many fans are excited by the idea of expanding the Virgin River universe. Others, however, worry it might detract from the main love story between Mel and Jack.
The fan-run Instagram account @virginriverpassionate ran a poll asking followers about their thoughts on flashbacks and the prequel. 64% of participants expressed enjoying the flashbacks in Season 6, while 73% said they’d be interested in watching the prequel if it ever materializes. So while the fanbase is divided, there’s still significant interest.
🎥 Production Update on Season 7: Steady Progress 🎥
As for Season 7, filming is progressing well. The team has wrapped its third block (episodes 5 and 6), directed by Monika Mitchell, a veteran of the show who’s helmed eight episodes since Season 3. The upcoming fourth block will be directed by Ruba Nadda, known for her work on So Help Me Todd, Magnum P.I., and Alaska Daily. The director for the final block of Season 7 has yet to be confirmed.
💬 So much more still hidden…
While we await more news on the fate of the prequel, Season 7 of Virgin River is shaping up to be just as captivating as ever, with more flashbacks and emotional drama ahead. Stay tuned as the journey of Mel, Jack, and the rest of Virgin River’s beloved residents continues. Will the prequel ever come to life? Keep checking back with us for all the updates! 💬
