Outer Banks fans weren’t the only ones surprised by the major plot twists ahead of season 5.

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Austin North, who plays Topper, recalled his initial reaction to the feature-length finale of season 4, released on Thursday, November 7.

“That took everyone for a surprise. I hadn’t seen it. I actually just watched it [the day of the premiere] for the first time,” North, 26, revealed to Us, referring to JJ’s (Rudy Pankow) shocking death. “And it was emotional — it was very emotional.”

North could see why viewers were so upset after JJ was killed, adding, “Rudy brought so much to that character. JJ is just such an iconic part of the show. So I think it took everyone by surprise. It was such a crazy buildup to the finale.”

Season 4 of Outer Banks came to an end on Thursday when JJ died after he was stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane). The rest of the Pogues vowed to avenge JJ’s death, but not everyone was thrilled by the twist ahead of the show’s fifth and final season.

While Pankow’s exit was “the biggest surprise,” North was also not expecting Topper’s ex Sarah (Madelyn Cline) to find out she is expecting her first baby with John B (Chase Stokes). (The fictional couple started the season off with zero plans to expand their family, but an unplanned pregnancy caused Sarah and John B to reconsider.)

“Sarah getting pregnant is definitely a curveball. And it is right in the middle of the treasure hunt too. It’s like, ‘All right, perfect timing,’” North quipped about the surprise reveal in the second half of season 4 and before the Pogues took off to Morocco for their latest treasure hunt. “I am just grateful to be a part of the show.”

The hit Netflix series, which premiered in 2020, introduced viewers to a coastal town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which is divided into two sides — the wealthy and the working-class. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers accidentally find themselves at the center of a dangerous treasure hunt.

While most of the main cast play protagonists, North has the interesting challenge of bringing Topper to life. At first glance, Topper came off as an enemy to the Pogues because of his former connection to Sarah. But Topper has since established his place on the show as a wealthy Kook trying to find his way while often ending up at odds with Pogues.

“There’s some redemption that could happen [for Topper]. I think deep down he’s a good guy,” North teased to Us. “You see these moments of him being a good person and I could see more of that happening in season 5. Maybe it would be cool to see some moments of him relating to the Pogues more. He could be putting himself in their shoes and realizing that they are from different upbringings — and that’s fine.”

The actor continued: “We can still get along and let’s put the past behind us and maybe get to know each other as people as humans. Without diving too much into it — I don’t know what the plans are [for season 5] — but those are just kind of a few things that I would like to see.”

North also weighed in on whether he had any concerns about Topper’s life coming to an end after JJ.

“Not necessarily. At the end of the day, I trust the creative team. I’m there to do my job and show up to film the material they give me. I dive into it 100 percent and try to bring my most to the character. So whatever route they take things, that’s what they do,” he explained. “I do my job as an actor and just bring my best work to it. I’m just grateful to have season 4 out there. The response has been amazing. And to be able to announce season 5 is just such a blessing and I can’t wait to be back at it.”

Outer Banks is currently streaming on Netflix and has been renewed for a fifth and final season.