Concerns Rise Over Grant Ellis Being Cast as the New Villain on The Bachelor After Gerry Turner’s Cancer Diagnosis

The Bachelor season 29 introduces Grant Ellis, a fan-favorite from the Bachelorette franchise. However, amidst concerns for The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner, who has been diagnosed with cancer, there are fears that producers might cast Grant in the role of the ‘villain’ for the upcoming season. Following his appearance on Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season, Grant quickly became a standout choice for the Bachelor title.

Concerns About Grant’s Depiction as Bachelor

While it’s well-known that promotional clips for reality television can often be misleading, the portrayal of Grant in his first promo is particularly alarming. During Jenn’s season, Grant came across as a charismatic, loving individual with clear intentions of finding a spouse and starting a family. Notably, his honesty and warmth made him an ideal candidate for the role of Bachelor.

The official promo posted on The Bachelor‘s Instagram showcases the women expressing their admiration for Grant. He confidently declares his readiness for marriage and children, yet the scene takes a troubling turn as it spirals into drama and tension among the contestants. Most concerning is Grant’s reflective moment where he admits to Joey that he is unsure about being the Bachelor, fearing he might end up alone.

In a particularly poignant scene, Grant unveils a tattoo of a lone wolf on his arm, explaining that it encapsulates feelings of isolation. During a confessional, he confides, “I want to be happy. I want to have love. It’s something that’s important to me. But I’m scared of making the wrong decision,” which highlights his vulnerability.

I want to be happy. I want to have love. It’s something that’s important to me. But I’m scared of making the wrong decision.

The promo culminates with host Jesse Palmer probing Grant on his decision-making as he struggles to choose between two prospective partners, ending with a troubled expression. The promotional content was likely produced prior to Gerry’s cancer announcement, adding to the possibility that producers may emphasize the drama to rebrand Grant as their new villain.

The Impact of Former Bachelor Villains

The Ruined Lives of Past Villains

Regrettably, numerous contestants, including former leads like Gerry and others, have faced significant fallout post-show. Many struggle to meet the immense expectations that accompany their roles, leading to disillusionment among fans. Some have certainly acted poorly, but the backlash they face often seems disproportionately harsh.

Jason Mesnick, who became infamous for breaking up with Melissa Rycroft to pursue runner-up Molly Malaney, exemplifies the fallout from making controversial decisions. Though he has since repaired his public image, the shock of his actions remains associated with the show. Similarly, Brad Womack damaged his reputation first by leaving the show without a partner and later facing scrutiny during his second season.

Other notorious figures such as Jake Pavelka and Juan Pablo Galavis garnered criticism for their unsavory portrayals. Although beloved now, Ben Higgins faced backlash when he professed love to both his chosen partner Lauren Bushnell and runner-up JoJo Fletcher, an unusual move at the time that has since become standard practice.

Additional examples like Arie Luyendyk Jr., who infamously rejected Becca Kufrin in favor of Lauren Burnham, and Colton Underwood, who faced backlash for coming out as gay post-season, reflect the struggles many face after their time on the show. Clayton Echard’s reputation took a hit for his transparent admissions about intimate experiences, further complicating the narrative of his season.

Given the history of how the show has treated past leads, I’m particularly concerned for Grant. With the production team likely hunting for their next ‘bad guy’ now that Gerry is stepping back, Grant might be targeted unjustly. Should he falter in any way, the producers could easily frame him as the villain, distorting his narrative before his season begins.

In light of recent seasons ending on pleasant notes with Joey and Zach concluding their arcs with happy engagements, it’s likely the producers will seek to heighten drama this time around. I worry that they are prioritizing sensationalism over Grant’s genuine journey. I sincerely hope Grant’s season is a triumph and that he discovers lasting love, but I fear that producer motivations may overshadow his story.

The Bachelor season 29 featuring Grant Ellis is set to premiere on January 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Source: The Bachelor/Instagram

Source & Images