The beloved series NCIS: Los Angeles featured an impressive ensemble cast, blending established stars with actors who became fan favorites over the course of its run. Renowned names like Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J brought significant followings to the show, while talents such as Daniela Ruah and Renée Felice Smith garnered recognition through their roles. Among them was Eric Christian Olsen, who navigated his own unique path in the industry. After the successful procedural concluded, Olsen has now announced an exciting new chapter in his career that may come as a surprise to many of his fans.
Eric Christian Olsen Takes on a Fresh Challenge with a New CBS Show
Before his tenure on NCIS: Los Angeles, Eric Christian Olsen had already made a name for himself in the film industry, featuring in notable projects like Pearl Harbor and Not Another Teen Movie. His standout role came in Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, where he portrayed a younger version of Jim Carrey’s iconic character. When he joined NCIS: Los Angeles as Marty Deeks in 2010, Olsen was eager to prove his range, transitioning from comedic roles to a more nuanced character in a high-stakes environment. His portrayal quickly resonated with audiences, allowing him to shine alongside the series’ more seasoned stars for over a decade, until its cancellation in 2023.
Following the show’s conclusion, LL Cool J transitioned to NCIS: Hawai’i for a brief stint, prompting the remaining cast members, including Olsen, to seek out new opportunities. Olsen’s next project is particularly intriguing; he is stepping into the role of executive producer for the much-anticipated reboot of Matlock.
“I’ve had so many experiences working for CBS over the past 13 years,” Olsen shared at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour (via CinemaBlend). “I saw this as an incredible opportunity to find stories I’m truly passionate about and help bring them to life from the ground up.”
Interestingly, Olsen expressed a desire to shift away from the typecasting he faced in the past, particularly as he had been frequently offered roles of “terrible lawyers.” However, he’s not stepping away from acting entirely. “I think there’s an opportunity for a big villain role sometime in the future,” he noted, hinting at a potential return to the screen.
What to Expect from the Matlock Reboot
Transitioning from NCIS: Los Angeles to Matlock signifies a shift from one iconic franchise to another. While NCIS boasts a legacy of immense popularity and successful spin-offs, Matlock holds its own place in television history, originally airing from 1986 to 1995.
The classic series starred the legendary Andy Griffith as a charming attorney known for solving intricate cases through cunning and integrity. It ran for nine seasons, amassing a total of 193 episodes before concluding its original run.
The reboot, featuring Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, pays homage to its predecessor while establishing its own identity. Bates’ character returns to a prestigious law firm, wielding her sharp intellect to navigate legal battles and expose corruption, while existing in the same universe as the original series.
Are you excited to see what Eric Christian Olsen will bring to the table in this new role? Does the Matlock reboot pique your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
