Laurence Fishburne Leaves 'CSI' For the Big Screen

Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne is leaving the crime scene - on CSI anyway! Deadline.com reports that after two-and-a-half seasons, Laurence has decided not to renew his contract with the TV drama, which expired in May, and will instead concentrate on making movies. 

The Matrix star stepped in after original CSI actor William Petersen (who played Gil Grissom) left the series in December 2008. 

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in April, Laurence showed interest in returning for another year to play his character Dr. Raymond Langston. 

"I'm having a great time," he says. "I was cognizant of the fact that Grissom was a much-beloved character. I made it my business to sit down and watch almost every episode of CSI from season 1 until I came on. It was about understanding the world and becoming as immersed in the show as possible. I love it."

While his departure is leaving CSI producers and writers with a major headache right before the start of season 12, many CSI insiders are not surprised, with one saying: "Nobody expected him to be on the show for seven years, it's Laurence Fishburne."

CSI will be bringing in a new actor to replace Laurence, although no one has been confirmed yet. 

Who do you think should replace Laurence Fishburne on CSI?