Will Franklin Saint Appear in ‘The Drop: A Snowfall Saga’? Here’s What We Know

Fans of ‘Snowfall’ have long been curious about the aftermath of the crack epidemic for its surviving characters, and now ‘The Drop: A Snowfall Saga’ is set to provide some answers. However, one name consistently arises in discussions about the spinoff: Franklin Saint.

The character who was central to six seasons of FX’s acclaimed crime drama exited the story in a vulnerable state, leading viewers to wonder if Damson Idris will reprise his role now that ‘The Drop’ is airing.

As of now, Damson Idris is not included in the confirmed cast list for ‘The Drop: A Snowfall Saga’. This spinoff shifts its focus from the drug empire that characterized ‘Snowfall’, immersing viewers in the burgeoning music scene of 1990s Los Angeles.

Considering how ‘Snowfall’ concluded for Franklin, along with his complete disconnection from the music industry at that point, it makes sense that he would not be part of this new narrative.

Created by Malcolm Spellman, the series features Isaiah John and Gail Bean reprising their roles as Leon Simmons and Wanda Bell, alongside newcomers Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, and Simmie Buddy Sims III. Notably, Franklin’s name is absent from this lineup.

To grasp why fans are so invested in Franklin’s potential return, it’s essential to recall where his story concluded. The series began with Franklin as a 19-year-old convenience store clerk and weed dealer in South Central Los Angeles, who evolved into a notorious drug lord during the crack cocaine surge.

To build his empire, he orchestrated the murders of friends, innocent people, and family allies, all while exacerbating the epidemic that devastated his community. This legacy amplifies the significance of his absence in ‘The Drop’.

By the series’ end, Franklin’s CIA handler Teddy McDonald had stolen $73 million from him, erasing his fortune and legitimate real estate assets. Franklin managed to locate Teddy and was moments away from reclaiming half the money when his mother Cissy shot and killed Teddy, ending her son’s obsession once and for all.

Ultimately, Franklin lost everything and ended up homeless, mirroring the fate of his estranged father. That haunting image of a destitute man wandering South Central has lingered with fans since the finale aired in 2023.

The cast has been cautious when addressing Franklin’s role in the new storyline. In an interview with TV Insider, Gail Bean was asked if Franklin Saint would be mentioned in the spinoff. She responded playfully, suggesting fans would have to watch and share their thoughts since she couldn’t reveal any spoilers.

Idris himself has fueled speculation. At Essence Fest in New Orleans, where ‘The Drop’ was featured alongside other major television projects, Idris joined John and Bean on a panel and received enthusiastic cheers from the audience. When an attendee directly inquired about his appearance in the series, Idris replied that fans would have to wait and see.

The official trailer for ‘The Drop’ does not showcase Franklin, but Wanda mentions him by name, which fans are interpreting as a glimmer of hope for a cameo. This single mention has sparked numerous theories across social media since the trailer’s release.

Even without Franklin at the forefront, ‘The Drop’ is establishing itself as a direct continuation of the legacy his empire initiated. Wanda and Leon survived the world Franklin created, witnessing the transformation of their neighborhood while paying a heavy price along the way.

The new series follows Wanda Bell and Leon Simmons as they seek to reinvent themselves in 1990s Los Angeles, where the repercussions of the crack epidemic are giving rise to a new cultural force in West Coast rap. For Wanda, music symbolizes another opportunity to turn hustle into economic freedom, as she begins to recognize talent in new characters like Artillery and Lamar.

This parallel should make longtime viewers a bit apprehensive, as Franklin once believed he could navigate the game without being consumed by it. The series is primarily set in Los Angeles and explores the impact of the initial crack epidemic on the city, intertwining the fates of Franklin Saint, CIA operative Teddy McDonald, luchador Gustavo Zapata, and cartel heiress Lucia Villanueva before transitioning into this new decade.

‘The Drop: A Snowfall Saga’ officially premiered on September 8 and continues to release new episodes weekly on FX, Hulu, and Disney+. Whether or not Idris returns as Franklin, the character’s influence clearly looms over every moment of this new Los Angeles narrative.

With Wanda’s cryptic mention in the trailer and Idris himself leaving the door open, how do you think ‘The Drop’ should address Franklin Saint’s legacy? Would you prefer to see him again or leave his story exactly where ‘Snowfall’ concluded?