Believe. It was the yellow sign that launched a thousand therapy sessions and made us all collectively decide that maybe, just maybe, being "diamond dogs" was a legitimate lifestyle choice. But then the whistle blew on Season 3, Ted headed back to Kansas, and we all thought that was it. The story was cooked. Done.
Then the rumors started. Then the contracts leaked. Now, it's official: Season 4 is filming, but the Ted Lasso cast change is making some fans more nervous than Nathan Shelley at a West Ham press conference.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess to keep track of. One day a star is out, the next day they’re "guest starring," and suddenly we have six new faces and a brand-new Henry Lasso. If you're confused about who is actually stepping back onto the pitch at Nelson Road and who has hung up their whistle for good, you're not alone.
The Big Shakeup: Who’s Staying and Who’s Gone?
The biggest news isn't just that the show is back; it's that the roster looks fundamentally different. For a while, the industry word was that the "UK trio"—Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Higgins)—were the only ones locked in because of their specific contract options with Warner Bros. TV.
That sparked a minor panic. Would Ted even be in his own show?
Thankfully, Jason Sudeikis is back. He’s the heart of the thing, obviously. But the biggest blow to the original lineup is undoubtedly Phil Dunster. Our favorite peacock, Jamie Tartt, is not returning as a series regular for Season 4.
Why? It’s basically a classic case of "too successful for your own good." Dunster’s schedule is jammed, including a major role in a new HBO comedy alongside Steve Carell. While there are whispers he might pop up for a cameo or a single-episode arc to show off a new haircut, don’t expect him to be doing drills with the team every week. It’s poopeh, I know.
The Returning Heavy Hitters
- Jason Sudeikis: Back as Ted. He’s also executive producing and writing.
- Hannah Waddingham: Rebecca Welton is still the boss.
- Juno Temple: Keeley Jones is confirmed, which means more KBPR (Keeley-Becca Public Relations) energy.
- Brett Goldstein: Roy Kent is back, likely still growling.
- Brendan Hunt: Coach Beard is returning, because what is Ted without his silent, chess-playing shadow?
- Jeremy Swift: Higgins is still the Director of Football Operations.
Why the Ted Lasso Cast Change Includes a New Henry
One of the more jarring updates is the recasting of Ted’s son. In the first three seasons, Henry Lasso was played by Gus Turner. For Season 4, the role has been handed over to Grant Feely.
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You might recognize Feely—he played a young Luke Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Recasting a kid character usually means one of two things: the original actor wasn't available, or the show is doing a time jump. Given the way Season 3 ended with Ted coaching Henry’s youth team back in Kansas, a time jump makes the most sense. If Henry is older and more serious about football, the dynamic shifts. It allows the writers to move past the "sad dad" phase and into something more complex.
The New Faces Joining AFC Richmond
Since the show is shifting focus, we need new blood. The biggest plot pivot for Season 4 is the move toward a women's team. This isn't just a side plot; it seems to be the core of the new narrative. To fill out that world, Apple has brought in a heavy-hitting group of newcomers:
- Tanya Reynolds: You know her as Lily from Sex Education. She’s got that quirky, high-energy vibe that fits perfectly into the Lasso-verse.
- Faye Marsay: Remember the Waif from Game of Thrones? She’s a phenomenal actress who can do "intense" better than almost anyone.
- Abbie Hern: From My Lady Jane.
- Jude Mack, Rex Hayes, and Aisling Sharkey: Rounding out the new ensemble.
While their specific roles haven't been "officially" detailed in a press release, the casting of several young, athletic women points directly toward the formation of the Richmond Women’s team that Keeley pitched to Rebecca at the end of Season 3.
Is the "Richmond Way" Still Alive?
The concern with any Ted Lasso cast change is the soul of the show. Many of the Richmond players—Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández), and Isaac McAdoo (Kola Bokinni)—have not been confirmed as series regulars yet.
This is the part that hurts.
The chemistry of the locker room was the secret sauce. If we lose the "Football is Life" energy or the "Van Damme" goalkeeping heroics, does it still feel like the same show? The reality is that Season 4 is being framed more as a soft reboot than a direct continuation.
Ted is reportedly returning to England after his stint in Kansas. The logline suggests he’s taking on the "biggest challenge yet" by coaching a second-division women’s team. It’s a fish-out-of-water story all over again, but this time, he’s a fish who already knows how to swim in these specific waters.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Return
People think this was a cynical cash grab by Apple. Maybe. But the truth is more about Jason Sudeikis. He was the holdout. He told everyone Season 3 was the end of the story he wanted to tell.
The fact that he’s back—and that he’s the one who reportedly "felt the spark" for a new direction—matters. He isn't just showing up for a paycheck; he’s the one who pushed the "women’s football" angle because he’s a massive fan of the sport in real life.
Also, don't write off the "missing" cast members just yet. Nick Mohammed (Nate) has been incredibly cryptic on social media. While he wasn't in the initial "big reveal" of returning stars, it’s hard to imagine the show without the Redemption King. Expect a lot of "special guest star" credits this time around.
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What Happens Next for Fans
Production is currently moving between London and Kansas City. We’re looking at a 2026 release window, likely around the second quarter.
If you're worried about the change, don't be. The writing team remains largely the same. Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt are still in the room. The DNA is there.
To prepare for the shift, you should go back and re-watch the Season 3 finale. Specifically, look at the scene where Keeley hands Rebecca the folder for the "AFC Richmond Women’s Team." That wasn't just a nice moment; it was the blueprint for everything we’re about to see. Keep an eye on the official Apple TV+ social channels for the first teaser trailer, which is expected to drop late in 2025.