The upcoming season of Apple TV+’s hit series Ted Lasso will feature a new young actor playing a key role. Gus Turner, who portrayed Ted’s son, Henry, for the show’s first three seasons, has been replaced. The character will now be played by Grant Feely. This change was made to accommodate a significant expansion of Henry’s role in the new story, which requires an actor with specific soccer skills.
Why Henry Lasso Was Recast for the New Season
The primary reason for the recast is a creative decision linked to the character’s new direction. According to multiple reports, Henry Lasso is set to have a much larger part in season four. In the first three seasons, Henry was primarily seen in Kansas, communicating with his dad in London through video calls. The story is now shifting.
With Ted Lasso returning to the United States at the end of season three, the narrative will follow him home. This brings Henry directly into the main action. Sources indicate that Henry’s expanded role involves him being a skilled soccer player. The production needed a young actor who could credibly perform football scenes, which led to the search for a new cast member.
Deadline reports that the reason for recasting Henry is due to a required football proficiency, with the new actor playing Ted’s son required to know his way around a football field.
This practical requirement for the character’s development made the recast necessary. Gus Turner was reportedly invited to audition to continue in the role, suggesting the producers were open to him staying if he met the new demands.
Meet Grant Feely, the New Actor Playing Henry
Stepping into the role is Grant Feely, a young actor already known to audiences. Feely is best recognized for playing a young Luke Skywalker in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. His casting indicates the show’s desire for an actor who can handle a more prominent and physically active role.
The shift from Gus Turner to Grant Feely means audiences will see a different face for a character who is central to Ted’s personal life. As one of the main emotional anchors of the series, Henry’s relationship with his father is a core part of the show’s heart. This recast is one of the few confirmed for the new season, highlighting its importance to the upcoming plot.
Henry’s Expanded Role and Season Four Story Details
So, what does this bigger role for Henry mean for the story? Season four will pick up where the last season ended, with Ted having left AFC Richmond to return to Kansas and be closer to his son. The first episodes are expected to film in Kansas, firmly establishing Henry’s presence in the storyline.
Series star and creator Jason Sudeikis has revealed a major twist for the new season. He confirmed that Ted will be coaching a women’s soccer team. This fresh start for Ted could directly involve Henry, especially if the character’s reported soccer skills are part of the plot. Fans have speculated that Henry’s athletic talent could be a reason for Ted to re-engage with coaching or even provide a bridge back to the sport.
The change also signals a potential shift in the show’s ensemble focus. With the story moving to Kansas and focusing on a new team, several fan-favorite characters from AFC Richmond’s men’s team have not been confirmed to return as series regulars. This makes Henry’s increased screen time even more significant as part of the show’s new chapter.
Fan Reaction to the Recasting News
The news of the recast has generated discussion among the show’s dedicated fans. On social media and fan pages, reactions have been mixed but largely understanding given the creative reasons.
Some fans expressed that they felt the previous portrayal was not as strong as other young actors on the show. One fan commented, “Nothing personal against Gus, I know he’s just a kid, but his acting always took me out of the show. I’m very happy they are recasting the character”.
Others were more focused on the storyline potential. A popular fan theory suggests Henry’s soccer skills could lead to an opportunity at a Premier League training academy, which might become a plot point that takes Ted back to London. Many are simply excited to see Henry step out from behind the FaceTime screen and become an active part of his father’s journey.
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Production Status and Returning Cast
Ted Lasso season four is officially in production. Filming began in July 2025. While a firm release date has not been set, a summer 2026 premiere window is being targeted. The writing team, led by Jason Sudeikis and new co-showrunner Jack Burditt, has been working on scripts for several months.
Alongside Sudeikis, several core cast members are locked in to return. This includes Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca, Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, Juno Temple as Keeley, Jeremy Swift as Higgins, and Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard. The season will also introduce new series regulars like Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, and Faye Marsay.
The absence of many players from the AFC Richmond men’s team, such as Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) and Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), from the initial cast list aligns with the narrative shift. However, producers have had conversations about some actors making guest appearances.
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