‘Girls’ Season 3: Christopher Abbott Leaves Series Before Filming Begins

Only a few weeks have passed since HBO's 'Girls' ended its second season on a curiously upbeat note, with several characters returning to the relationships they maintained at the outset of the series. That finale may prove even more difficult to justify in retrospect as series star Christopher Abbott (Charlie) has abruptly left the series altogether, prior to filming any season 3 episodes. Find out what caused the big 'Girls' season 3 break inside!

'Girls' may be down a few boys when filming on season 3 of HBO's Lena Dunham-helmed dramedy begins later this year. According to the New York Post, series star Christopher Abbott has quit the series altogether, without having filmed any scenes for his departure. Abbott has recurred since the beginning of the series as Marnie (Allison Williams)'s sometime boyfriend Charlie, while season 2 finale "Together" saw the pair seemingly reunited for good.

The Post claims that Abbott had been butting heads with Lena Dunham herself, star, creator and show-runner of the series. “[Chris] is grateful for the experience of collaborating with Lena, Judd [Apatow], and the entire Girls cast and crew, but right now he’s working on numerous other projects and has decided not to return to the show,” the actor’s rep told the publication.

Elsewhere, little is known of the third season of 'Girls,' other than its 2014 airdate, expansion to 12 episodes, and recent casting calls that suggested a character would somehow end up in rehab. 'The New Normal' and occasional 'Girls' star Andrew Rannells also expected he'd return for the Globe-winner's third season.

What say you? Are you sad that real-life 'Girls' drama has eliminated Christopher Abbott from the series? How do you think Marnie and Charlie's story will wrap up? Give us your 'Girls' season 3 predictions in the comments!