Tyler Hoechlin will not be returning as a series regular for Season 5 of the MTV hit drama series "Teen Wolf."

According to Entertainment Weekly, Hoechlin, who plays the character of Derek Hale, recently approached executive producer Jeff Davis and told him he was digging on the movie scene because it "excited and scared him" after starring in independent flick.

Davis told the magazine he then consulted with show officials about cultivating the most seamless transition possible, and that apparently has resulted in a less than "complete goodbye" for Hoechlin. Davis recently promised reporters that, though not a regular, fans have hardly seen the last of Hoechlin's character. Reportedly, the two met just a couple weeks ago to discuss possibilities.

"Tyler Hoechlin decided he wanted more time to pursue movies," said Davis, according to TV Line. "We talked and creatively agreed that maybe this was a good season to refocus on the teens of 'Teen Wolf,' and while he won't be a series regular anymore, I can say that you probably won't have seen the last of Derek Hale. We love him and miss him."

Hoechlin's departure doesn't come as a complete surprise to many of the show's most ardent fans. Speculation started building after the end of Season 4 when the show underwent a dramatic shift toward newer and younger cast members. Some even insist Hoechlin's character was actually reduced to a lesser role throughout that season, perhaps making his decision to pursue other possibilities all the easier.

The new season of "Teen Wolf" is slated to premiere sometime during the month of June. Hoechlin, 27, has also previously starred alongside Tom Hank's in the movie "Road to Perdition" and the TV series "7th Heaven."