There’s been a casting shake-up on BBC’s Merlin: Asa Butterfield will not be reprising his role as Mordred next year.

Alexander Vlahos, 23, will be taking over the role of Mordred from 15-year-old Butterfield, a journalist confirmed the news a few days ago on Twitter, after several cryptic tweets by Vlahos himself.

Vlahos has previously worked on the British series The Indian Doctor, Doctors and Pen Talar. It is not known why they’ve switched actors, although perhaps scheduling conflicts due to Butterfield’s commitment to Ender’s Game played a part.

What do you think about Merlin going with an older actor for Mordred? Will his rapid aging be addressed? Are they perhaps setting up a romance with Morgana? Share your theories in the comments!

This news was reported on SpoilerTV.