"Reign" fans are in for a shocker as a major character is about to die in season 3. The hit CW show had its season 3 premiere last week, which saw Mary (Adelaide Kane) struggling in Scotland as Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten) and Catherine (Megan Follows) teamed up against her, but this could be the least of her worries as Francis (Toby Regbo) told her that he is about to die.
Showrunner Laurie McCarthy spoke with Entertainment Weekly before the premiere and revealed that she wanted the news of Francis's death to be out there so that fans will get used to the idea early on in the season.
"I didn't want it to be something that shocked the fans or really anybody. I needed to process it too," said McCarthy.
By letting everyone know about Francis's death before the show airs the episode of his demise, the showrunner said that fans will surely be heartbroken, but they won't be "reeling."
"I think it's better to reel with them and to be with the characters as they process it," said McCarthy.
And it looks like Mary and Francis both know that death will be inevitable for the young king, as it was reported earlier that Mary will be making an impulsive decision based on the knowledge of her beloved's condition. As to what this decision is could be anyone's guess, but it's certain that there will be a lot of tears shed in upcoming episodes.
"There will be tears," McCarthy said. "I think there'll be also a lot of incredibly uplifting moments because it deepens [Francis and Mary's] very existence, individually and together as a couple."
Mary and Francis's love story has been the series' cornerstone since its first season, where they met for the first time, though they have been engaged since they were six years old. Eventually, the two developed genuine feelings for each other as they ruled over France and Scotland, and dealt with the growing ambitions of those who wanted to take over the throne of France.
Meanwhile, the show's latest episode, which will air on Friday, Oct. 16, will feature Catherine being imprisoned when she returns to France, while Elizabeth faces persecution for sheltering her. Meanwhile, the fate of Scotland's future will force Mary to make difficult choices, as she faces a future in which she rules alone.
"Reign" airs on Fridays at 8 p.m. on The CW.
