The big screen is beckoning ER’s most senior medicos. Goran Visnjic and Maura Tierney (aka deliciously moody lovebirds Luka and Abby) confirmed for TV Guide that they’re on their way off the show. (Word of Visnjic's exit was broken in late February by Ausiello.) “I’m pretty sure I’m leaving after next year,” says Tierney, while Visnjic says he expects to do “a couple” — fewer than five — episodes next season. As TV Guide’s Sexiest Doc and Dad says, “We’re still talking about how and when we’re going to do it. But it’s kind of a logical progression because every summer I want to do a movie and... there are always problems with my scheduling. I think it’s a nice run to be on a show for eight years.”

Similarly, Tierney says she loves ER and her costars, but would like to do more features. (Currently she’s filming Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson.) Although Tierney has asked the producers to whack Abby when the day comes, both actors believe the writers prefer a happy ending for the tempest-tossed pair. Gee, and we were hoping for another killer helicopter.