Beloved actor Jesse Williams has made multiple impactful returns to Grey’s Anatomy, reigniting fan excitement, particularly for his iconic onscreen romance with Sarah Drew’s April Kepner, affectionately known as “Japril.” From a heartwarming reunion in the Season 18 finale to directing and guest-starring in Season 19, Williams continues to shape the medical drama’s narrative while fueling hopes for a potential spinoff.
The halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital have seen countless unforgettable characters, but few have captured the hearts of fans quite like Dr. Jackson Avery and Dr. April Kepner. Portrayed by Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew, their tumultuous romance earned them the portmanteau “Japril” and cemented their status as one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most beloved couples. Following their respective departures from the long-running series, the prospect of their return always lingered, culminating in several highly anticipated appearances that have thrilled the fan community.
The Journey of Jackson and April: From Seattle Grace to Boston
Jesse Williams joined Grey’s Anatomy in 2009, growing from an inexperienced intern to a successful plastic surgeon and eventually a dedicated father. Sarah Drew arrived a year later, portraying the resilient trauma surgeon April Kepner. Their relationship evolved through many trials, including marriage, the devastating loss of a child, and the birth of their daughter, Harriet.
Drew bid farewell to the show in March 2018 after nine seasons. Onscreen, April married Matthew Taylor (Justin Bruening) and left her position at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. However, her story continued to intertwine with Jackson’s. Williams, who portrayed Jackson for 12 seasons and over 250 episodes, made his departure in May 2021. His character moved to Boston to take over his family’s formidable Fox Foundation, committed to medical equity. It was in Boston that April, after separating from Matthew, decided to relocate with Jackson and Harriet, offering a glimmer of hope for “Japril” fans.
A Triumphant Return: The Japril Reunion in Season 18
Fans rejoiced when Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew officially returned for Grey’s Anatomy’s Season 18 finale, which aired on May 26, 2022. The news was confirmed by publications like People and Deadline, sparking widespread excitement. The reunion saw the former couple share a long-awaited kiss in an elevator at Grey Sloan, definitively confirming that their relationship was back on, much to the delight of “Japril” devotees.
Prior to the announcement, both actors had openly discussed the possibility of reprising their roles. In February, Williams told Entertainment Tonight he “wouldn’t rule out a return,” noting Jackson “still exists in the world of the show.” A month later, Drew echoed similar sentiments to Entertainment Tonight, stating she would “absolutely” be open to a return, describing her previous guest spot as “a full-circle moment of closing my story in a way that I didn’t honestly know I needed.”
Jesse Williams’ Continued Involvement: Directing and Guest-Starring in Season 19
The excitement didn’t stop with Season 18. Jesse Williams continued his involvement with Grey’s Anatomy, returning as both a guest star and director for the fifth episode of Season 19, titled “When I Get to the Border.” This episode, which aired on November 3, saw Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) travel to Boston, where she reunited with Jackson. Adding to the family affair, Debbie Allen, who portrays Jackson’s formidable mother, Catherine Fox, also appeared in the episode.
This marked Williams’ fourth time stepping behind the camera for the series, showcasing his multifaceted talent. While this particular Season 19 appearance focused on Jackson’s interactions in Boston and did not feature Sarah Drew’s April Kepner, the narrative continued to develop the world that Jackson and April now inhabit together.
The Fan-Driven Demand for a Japril Spinoff
The enduring popularity of Jackson and April’s love story has fueled a passionate fan campaign for a dedicated “Japril” spinoff. These desires are not lost on the actors themselves. In August, Sarah Drew told E! News, “I get tweets from people every day about a darker, grittier, sexier Japril spinoff. I’m down, I’m in for it, but it’s not up to me.”
Jesse Williams also weighed in on the concept of a spinoff, acknowledging the complexities such a project would entail. He highlighted the need to explore their relationship beyond the “honeymoon phase,” considering their roles as parents to a growing child, their distinct careers, and their life in a new city like Boston. These elements, he suggested, could provide “plenty of entry points” for new storylines involving both Jackson and April, and potentially other characters from the original show.
Jackson Avery’s Impact Beyond Japril
Beyond his romantic entanglements, Jackson Avery’s influence extends through his leadership of the Fox Foundation and his commitment to tackling systemic inequities in healthcare. Since his departure as a series regular in 2020, Williams has made several guest appearances, often touching on these themes. In one notable return, Dr. Avery engaged in a tense discussion with Meredith Grey regarding his mother, Catherine Fox, the foundation’s initiatives, and Meredith’s Alzheimer’s research funds, underscoring his ongoing relevance to the show’s larger storylines.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Jackson and Japril
The continued willingness of Jesse Williams to return to Grey’s Anatomy, whether as an actor or director, is a testament to the lasting impact of Dr. Jackson Avery and the powerful connection he shares with the show’s loyal fanbase. While a “Japril” spinoff remains a fervent wish within the fan community, each appearance by Williams offers a welcome glimpse into the lives of these beloved characters, keeping their legacy alive and continually sparking hope for what the future may hold.
