'Criminal Minds' season 12 cast news, spoilers: Damon Gupton cast as new series regular following Thomas Gibson exit

"Bates Motel" actor Damon Gupton is joining the cast of "Criminal Minds" in its current season, right on the heels of original cast member Thomas Gibson's departure.

Gupton is boarding the long-running CBS police procedural as its new series regular. He will play the role of Special Agent Stephen Walker, who will be joining the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as an experienced criminal profiler. He is said to specialize in tracking down spies. Entertainment Tonight notes that Gupton's Walker will make his "Criminal Minds" debut in the eighth episode of the current season.

"Our BAU family is growing," "Criminal Minds" showrunner Erica Messer said in a statement. "We're excited to have Damon join the show and work alongside our amazing cast and crew."

Before being cast in the twelfth season of "Criminal Minds," Gupton played the recurring role of psychiatrist Gregg Edwards in "Bates Motel." He has also played various law enforcement roles in numerous television shows, including "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Empire," and "Prime Suspect."

In season 12, the actor will be joining fellow "Criminal Minds" newbie Adam Rodriguez, who was cast following the departure of Shemar Moore, another longtime "Criminal Minds" cast member. Rodriguez will play the role of Fugitive Task Force Agent and Supervisory Special Agent Luke Alvez. In addition, former "Criminal Minds" star Paget Brewster is returning as a series regular in season 12. She will reprise her role as Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss.

Rodriguez's Alvez debuted in the season 12 premiere, which also featured Gibson in a prominent role. Gibson's final "Criminal Minds" episode will air on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

In August, the longtime "Criminal Minds" star was suspended and ultimately fired after an on-set altercation with one of the show's producers.

"I feel like it took years to make a good reputation and a minute to damage it," the actor recently told People.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS.