Fans of Forged in Fire were dismayed to learn that Wil Willis, the show’s original host, had been replaced when Season 8 debuted on the History Channel in 2022.
Year after year, Willis assisted in guiding the blade smiths of each season through the demanding competition. The ex-military man was undoubtedly a fan favorite, so hearing about his abrupt departure from the program was surprising.
Willis worked as an Army Ranger for four years and an Air Force Pararescueman for ten years. Following his military retirement, Willis started lending his extensive understanding of weapons to TV shows as a pundit and even started acting in popular films.
Then, he began hosting Forged in Fire in 2015. After Ultimate Survival Alaska alum Grady Powell took over as presenter for Season 8, viewers are curious as to what became of Willis.
After Season 7 concluded, Wil Willis, a founding cast member, departed Forged in Fire in the spring of 2020. Fans were not pleased with the sudden adjustment, and many expressed their discontent on Twitter.
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Why Will Willis Left Forged in Fire?
Sadly for fans, History has not yet released a statement clarifying the rapidly spreading rumors. It’s still being determined whether Wil intends to return to the show.
Furthermore, the Season 10 renewal of Forged in Fire has yet to be announced. After the season is approved, History will probably make a statement if Wil decides to return.
In March 2020, Wil and his wife of almost four years, Krystle Amina, welcomed a son named Flash Orion. He was probably more likely to quit Forged in Fire because he was anxious to spend more time with his family. However, there may have been more to the casting alterations, as a press release from History suggests.
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“As with any legacy series that has had the privilege of being on the air for five-plus years, fans will notice new names and faces from time to time,” the network said in a statement. “While we appreciate Wil and everything he brought to the series, we are excited to start this new chapter and welcome Grady into the ‘forge’ as our new host.”
History has not yet stated whether or not there will be other adjustments made at Forged in Fire. Similarly, more information regarding the upcoming season has not yet been released. Grady’s contract with the program is unclear, although it’s possible he’ll return in the upcoming season.
Based on his recent Instagram posts, Wil appears to have been busy taking some much-needed time off with Krystle and Flash Orion.
He also went to a K-9 dog selection event with his brother, an Arizona special operations lieutenant, which one of his posts attests to.
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