Fernando Colunga will no longer be part of Telemundo's new historical series, Malverde: The Patron Saint. The Mexican actor who has been on hiatus since 2015 last appeared on the small screen in Televisa's Passion and Power. The actor moved to Telemundo in January 2020 and was set to star in the highly anticipated production.See more: Fernando Colunga inks contract with TelemundoTelemundo released a statement last week confirming the actor's departure from the series. There was no clear reason provided as to why Fernando Colunga chose to depart from the series. Among the speculated reasons is the actor's concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Mexico hard.After Colunga's departure, the actor named to take his place in the series is Pedro Fernandez. This would also mark his return to the small screen since participating in Hastal el fin del mundo in 2014. Malverde is a period piece inspired by real events of Mexican bandit, born in 1870. He becomes a legendary figure as a defender of the people and protector of the poor and innocent.