Alex O'Loughlin Possibly Agreed To Do 'Hawaii Five-0' Season 9 Due To New Negotiations Allowing Creative Freedom

Alex O'Loughlin has been playing the "will he/won't he" game with his Hawaii Five-0 status for a long time. The star of the CBS series had previously teased on the possibility that he is retiring from the show but continues to hint at his eventual return in the next season. But is it possible that the network has found a way to keep the leading man in the police drama? There are speculations that O'Loughlin's new contract allows him absolute creative freedom in Hawaii Five-0 Season 9.

The current season of Hawaii Five-0 certainly has been an interesting one for Alex O'Loughlin. The Back-Up Plan star has already earned great reviews for his directorial debut "E Ho'Oko Kuleana" last March. In addition to that, CarterMatt reports that O'Loughlin has provided the story for Hawaii Five-0 Season 8 Episode 24, which is scheduled to air this week. Not surprisingly, O'Loughlin's new job description has led to theories about how CBS has handled the actor's new contract which could extend to Hawaii Five-0 Season 9.

Some believe that Alex O'Loughlin was initially set to leave the series following the unexpected departure of Daniel Kim and Grace Park before the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 Season 8. However, the actor had stayed on to continue playing Steve McGarrett and even teased on returning for Season 9. O'Loughlin disclosed to TVLine that one of the reasons he stayed was because the show manages to "keep so many people employed in Hawaii" and the crew is definitely part of his "ohana." But could he also be staying because CBS has given him creative freedom?

Five-0 vs. the mob? Say hello to our little friends! Stream the latest full episode of #H50: https://t.co/up9YuH7Gzg pic.twitter.com/oCTLU2wRtS — Hawaii Five-0 (@HawaiiFive0CBS) May 5, 2018

There are speculations that the network convinced Alex O'Loughlin to renew his contract with Hawaii Five-0 by adding a few enticing perks. CBS may have given the actor the chance to direct and write stories for the series, something that is expected to continue in Hawaii Five-0 Season 9. O'Loughlin might also become one of the show's producers in the future.

CBS has not yet made any formal announcements about Hawaii Five-0 Season 9. In the meantime, "Ka Lala Kaukonakona Haki 'Ole I Ka Pa A Ka Makani Kona" will premiere on Friday, May 11.