Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) finally discover Sazz's (Jane Lynch) killer, the stuntman-turned-writer Marshall P. Pope (Jin Ha), in the Season 4 finale of Only Murders in the Building.
However, alongside this significant revelation, Loretta (Meryl Streep) announces that she is about to leave for New Zealand to work on a filming project.
This major reveal has left fans wondering about Streep's future on the show and whether she'll return for Only Murders in the Building Season 5.
So, does this mean the actress will leave the show?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Only Murders in the Building Season 4 finale
Meryl Streep’s Involvement in Only in the Murders Building Season 5 Explained
Oliver and Loretta finally got married in the fourth season finale of Only Murders in the Building, with Oliver’s adorable dog, Winnie, serving as the ring bearer.
Loretta's son, Dickie (Jeremy Shamos), and Oliver's son, Will (Ryan Broussard), walked her down the aisle.
However, not everything about this event was joyful; Loretta had to move to New Zealand to film the remainder of her TV show.
She even told Oliver to stay in New York, hinting at the beginning of their long-distance relationship. Does this mean it was the last time fans will see Streep in the hit Hulu series?
In an interview with TVLine, showrunner and co-creator John Hoffman explained that Loretta’s upcoming filming project serves as a convenient exit for Streep if her schedule does not allow her to return.
If Streep does leave the show, Hoffman stressed that it would still fit the narrative and character arcs of the series.
“It’s partly pragmatic in that way, sure. But really, it’s about what the trio has built together and what Oliver and Loretta have built together,” he said.
Loretta and Oliver’s relationship has been unconventional from the start, so this won’t be something new.
As this isn’t a confirmation of Streep’s exit, there’s still a big chance fans will once again see her in Only Murders in the Building Season 5.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Hoffman continued. “Nothing would make me happier than more Meryl Streep in the show.”
What are Meryl Streep’s Upcoming Projects?
Aside from Only Murders in the Building, Streep has a lot of upcoming projects.
The 75-year-old actress is set to reprise her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Additionally, she will star in a television adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s best-selling novel, The Corrections, on CBS, likely portraying Enid, the matriarch of a Midwestern family.
So far, details about Only Murders in the Building Season 5 have yet to be revealed.
However, the trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel will certainly investigate the death of Lester (Teddy Coluca), whom they surprisingly find dead in the finale, continuing the show's tradition of a murder investigation each new season.
While there has been no confirmation regarding Streep’s return, it looks like fans may not have seen the last of her character.
Sure, Loretta might have a reduced presence due to her move to New Zealand, but her marriage with Oliver is just starting.