Jesse Lee Soffer, known for his iconic portrayal of Detective Jay Halstead on Chicago P.D., is stepping into new shoes in FBI: International.
After a decade of playing Halstead, a character deeply connected to the grit of Chicago’s streets and its police force, Soffer is now taking on a completely different challenge. While Halstead was a man of few words, always driven by his moral compass and personal demons, Soffer’s FBI: International character brings an entirely different energy and perspective. In FBI: International, Soffer joins the high-stakes world of global law enforcement, where the rules, approach, and the very nature of the job differ significantly from the Chicago precincts.
In Chicago P.D., Halstead often dealt with crimes rooted in local issues. His approach was hands-on, frequently operating in gray areas to get justice. His interactions were personal, especially when he became entangled with the lives of the victims or criminals he pursued. In contrast, the new character Soffer portrays in FBI: International has a broader scope. This is a man whose day-to-day operations are far more diplomatic, working across borders and dealing with threats that have international implications. Where Halstead might have used physicality or instinct to handle a situation, Soffer’s new role will require navigating complex political landscapes and leveraging resources in a much more strategic way.
One of the key differences between the two characters is the nature of the pressure they face. On Chicago P.D., Halstead’s challenges were intensely personal. He often battled with his past as a military veteran, and the impact of this on his work and personal life was a significant aspect of his character’s development. The emotional toll of his job, his loyalty to his team, and his romantic relationship with Kim Burgess created a constant whirlwind of internal conflict.
In FBI: International, however, Soffer’s new role puts him in situations where the stakes are high but far less personal. His character will be part of a team focused on stopping international crimes that could impact entire countries or global organizations. The pressure here is systemic and bureaucratic, not just emotional. His decisions might affect international relations, but his personal life won’t be intertwined with the cases in the same intense way Halstead’s always was.
For Soffer, this role marks a significant shift in his career. After playing Halstead for so long, moving to a more complex, globally involved character allows him to stretch his acting muscles in new directions. Fans of Chicago P.D. loved Halstead for his loyalty, his sense of justice, and his determination. But there was always a volatility in Halstead that left him susceptible to impulsive decisions and rash actions.
This growth is something Soffer is excited about. While Halstead will always be a beloved character, moving into the world of FBI: International allows him to explore different facets of law enforcement and character development. He has also said that this new character is more complex in his approach to solving crimes and handling high-stakes situations.
Fans who loved Halstead’s straightforward, action-oriented approach may need to adjust their expectations when it comes to Soffer’s FBI: International role. The new character operates on a global stage, where laws are different, consequences are higher, and the challenges are multifaceted. Soffer admitted that this shift will surprise some viewers, but he’s confident that the depth of the new role will resonate with audiences in different ways.
