Patrick Dempsey is heading to the action film world in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” this summer and the big screen might be where fans will have to see him in coming years as the actor isn’t quashing the rumors he’s set to leave “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Set the record straight – last season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson asked the former “Sweet Home Alabama” star, who presented the MTV Generation Award to his co-star in that film, Reese Witherspoon, at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards on Sunday night.
“Our contracts are up I haven’t heard anything, so it seems like it is,” Patrick replied. “I don’t know. It’s not in my hands, quite honestly, and it’s really too early to talk about. I [have] a whole season ahead of me to do, so we’ll see what happens.”
Last week, fans were shocked when the news first broke that Patrick, who plays Seattle Grace’s Dr. Derek Shepherd, had told Italian Vanity Fair that the upcoming 2011-2012 season would be his last.
“There are many fans who would say they’re not watching the show if you [aren’t] on it,” Shaun told the actor.
“There are also a lot of fans saying they will watch the show because they like other characters,” Patrick said. “The success we’ve had with the show is because of the fans and the fans that have stuck with us need to be taken care of and listened to, certainly, and I hope we can do a really good season for them and keep them entertained, keep them engaged. I think that’s our responsibility right now.”
When asked if he’d like to come back to the show after next season, Patrick said it depended on many factors.
“I think it depends on how everything evolves,” he said. “I think we need to keep the show fresh and if we can do that and people are still entertained then it’s worth talking about. Who knows? We’ve got a year. It’s a long way away. Still a lot left to do.”
Creator Shonda Rhimes has been quiet on Twitter since the news related to Patrick’s potential exit from the show broke, but she is already at work on the first episode back for the next season.
“Sitting in the Grey’s writers room, making plans for the season premiere,” she Tweeted on Monday morning.
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is due out on June 29.
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