Spoilers for The Bachelorette ahead, as well as potential spoilers for Bachelor in Paradise. In episode eight, Bachelorette fans had to say goodbye to one of Hannah Brown's favorite bachelors this season: Air Force veteran and "happy at life" Mike Johnson. He was, understandably, devastated—and to be honest, so was Hannah, who echoed her own words during her Bachelor exit interview by saying that Mike deserves to be loved "fiercely." While I, and many other fans, would love to see Mike Johnson take on a very special role in the Bachelorverse, I'd love for Mike to continue on in the franchise in any capacity, because I dig his vibe and personality. So could we see him on that nutty, hilarious show, Bachelor in Paradise? Here's what I can gather so far, and we'll update when we know more.
He's not on the original cast list.
Obviously, Bachelor in Paradise wasn't going to spoil its own season by saying he'd be a part of the show—Mike was still a contender for Hannah's heart when the original cast was announced. A couple of the other bachelors from Hannah's season, though, are already there: Cam Ayala and John Paul Jones, with more potentially to come.
But he...is in the trailer??
Wait, what?? NO. Looking at the latest trailer, which debuted after the "Men Tell All" episode of The Bachelorette, Mike is clearly seen holding Caelynn Miller-Keyes' hand walking down the stairs, with that trademark ear-to-ear grin (GAH).
Fasn screenshotted the moment for further investigation:
It's definitely him, going based on the tattoos he has on his left arm:
But I can't see him throughout the rest of the trailer, or the previous teaser trailer...so hopefully it's just an appearance? Here's the full trailer, in case you want to take a look for yourself:
I want Mike to be the Bachelor so much that this makes me VERY worried about his chances for that role. Of course, Colton Underwood went on Bachelor in Paradise, as did Nick Viall, and both of them became Bachelor after their time on BiP. But it was still a (not very welcome) surprise when I first spotted Mike. I might have yelled, out loud, all by myself, in my living room.
Ok, maybe this is a chance for him to prove he can stay in the Bachelorverse and take on other roles? That's what I'm just going to keep telling myself.
He could be a special guest.
Connor Saeli is one who apparently is joining the show—and Connor was eliminated along with Mike in episode 8.
But Reality Steve hasn't said anything about Mike in future episodes or drama. Again, this doesn't necessarily mean anything—and by now, shooting has probably wrapped on the show.
I'm not sure he's the right fit?
Based on what I've seen of past seasons and what I can tell from this one, the more dramatic, the better. BiP feels like the other two shows, squared—bachelors and bachelorettes who are living for the drama and really embracing the conceit of the show with open arms. Mike seemed like he was more about protecting his "guys," a.k.a. the other bachelors, and embracing every moment with Hannah.
Like, after being eliminated, Mike said on Instagram that he was super grateful and that "My future wife is going to be hated by all her friends bc she'll be treated as the queen I know she is 💯🌹." So again, that sounds more like Bachelor material than Bachelor in Paradise material.
So, I can't see it. But I will take more Mike on any Bachelor show, to be honest.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
