Alan Wake 2 features perhaps the biggest cast of characters out of any Remedy game, and despite several past actors returning, there’s one that unfortunately didn’t make the cut.

Note this may be considered a spoiler, especially to those who have theorized how this character may make a comeback in the sequel. So, if you don’t want to be spoiled in the tiniest, it may be wise to turn back. Still here? Alright.

For those who remember the lead-up to the release of the original Alan Wake back in 2010, you may (or may not) remember a live-action mini-series that was released before the game’s launch called “Bright Falls.” It was a tale that followed a novelist named Jake Fischer, played by Christopher Forsyth. We won’t get into too many details, but the mini-series events were similar to the game’s. By the end of it, Jake’s fate is never fully revealed, leaving fans to speculate all these years.

So obviously, with the sequel about to release, some fans are bringing up the character again, speculating that he’ll make an appearance in the sequel. Sadly, Sam Lake confirmed during his talk at the EGX Theatre, that Jake Fischer will not return in the sequel.

“Not at the moment,” Sam Lake said when asked if there were any plans for Jake Fischer, “And even if it might be a disappointment, we have in this game a larger character gallery than in any previous games.”

Sam explains that the reasoning all came down to budget, and creating characters these days with a high level of fidelity has gotten more and more expensive. So choices had to be made somewhere, though that doesn’t confirm Jake was ever intended to appear. Sam did say, “Never say never” leaving the door open for his possible return. Perhaps we’ll see him in some of the planned Alan Wake 2 DLC?

Either way, we hope fans get some closure for the character at some point.