Alexandra Gutierrez, KUCB – Unalaska
Next week the Deadliest Catch production crew will be arriving in Dutch Harbor to prepare for the seventh season of the popular Discovery Channel television series. But some of the show’s biggest stars won’t be greeting them. Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand of the Time Bandit and Sig Hansen of the Northwestern sent a statement to the Hollywood Reporter yesterday, saying that they will not be returning to the show.
This announcement follows the news that Discovery Communications has filed a $3 million lawsuit against the Hillstrand brothers for failing to complete work on a special spin-off called “Hillstranded.” The spin-off was supposed to follow the two crab fishermen away from their boat during the off season. Because of the lawsuit, the brothers have decided to leave the show and Hansen is departing with them in solidarity. Original Productions films the series, and a producer for the show says they expect to remain on their production schedule.
But the exit of this trio will leave the show with few familiar faces. Phil Harris, who was captain of the Cornelia Marie, died earlier this year. His sons are expected to appear in the show this season.
Liz Hillman, a spokesperson for Discovery Communications, says the company is not offering comment on the situation.
Download Audio (MP3)
