Callum Kerr Confirms Return to ‘Virgin River’ Season 7 as Prequel Series Remains in Limbo

In season 7 of Virgin River, we’re heading back to the past. Again! Having been introduced in a backdoor pilot of sorts in season 6, actor Callum Kerr confirmed overnight (and we’ve subsequently confirmed with Netflix) that he’ll be reprising his role as Everett in season 7, which is currently midway through filming.

Callum Kerr has confirmed his return to Virgin River Season 7, currently in production, with a cryptic Instagram post asking, “Are we running this back?” The actor will once again portray young Everett in a series of flashbacks, but not in the anticipated prequel spinoff, which remains unconfirmed by Netflix. It’s not yet confirmed whether Jessica Rothe, who played Mel’s mother Sarah, will also return.

@callum_kerr_1 on Instagram

What Kerr’s Return Means for Mel’s Storyline

If both Kerr and Rothe reprise their roles, it suggests that more scenes will revisit the past romance between Everett and Sarah. While the previous season has already shown how the two met, fell in love, and reunited, Season 7’s flashbacks may take a more emotional or plot-relevant turn, potentially linking back to Mel and Jack’s current journey, especially their plans to start a family.

Should Kerr return alone, his character’s long-standing presence in Virgin River, dating back to the 1970s, opens the door for deeper connections with other residents. During Season 6’s promotional campaign, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith hinted at exploring Hope’s past, including her marriage to Roland (played by John Ralston) and connecting Everett to the rest of the citizens of the town. These threads could naturally intersect with Everett’s storyline.

The Virgin River Prequel Spinoff: What’s the Latest?

Netflix first announced plans for a Virgin River prequel in February 2024. The project was to be developed by Patrick Sean Smith, with Richard Keith and Erin Cardillo attached, pending an official green light from Netflix. However, no greenlight or production updates have emerged more than a year later.

Although Smith stated that he was still working on the script during the season 6 press rounds, there has been radio silence since then. With Kerr only returning for a limited number of flashback scenes in Season 7, the momentum behind the prequel appears to have stalled, if not quietly ended altogether. Fingers crossed we’re wrong on that front. A Netflix representative told us via email that the prequel series has still not been greenlit. 

Fans Share Mixed Reactions on Social Media

Reactions to the proposed spinoff have varied across fan communities. Some viewers are excited at the prospect of expanding the Virgin River universe, but hope it doesn’t detract from Mel and Jack’s central storyline. Others feel the flashbacks worked well within the main series but aren’t interested in a full-fledged origin show.

The fan-run Instagram account @virginriverpassionate conducted a poll earlier this year, asking followers about flashbacks and the potential of the prequel. Sixty-four percent said they enjoyed the flashbacks in Season 6, and seventy-three percent expressed interest in watching the spinoff, if it ever comes to life.

Screenshot of VR Passionate Polls on Prequel Series

Production Update on Season 7

Filming for Season 7 is progressing steadily. The production is currently wrapping its third block (episodes 5 and 6), directed by Virgin River veteran Monika Mitchell. Mitchell has directed eight episodes since Season 3.

For the upcoming fourth block, the series welcomes Ruba Nadda to the director’s chair. Nadda brings experience from shows like So Help Me Todd, Magnum P.I., and Alaska Daily. The director for the final block of Season 7 has yet to be announced.

For more on Virgin River season 7, keep it locked here on What’s on Netflix for the latest!