Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles have longed to see Eric Christian Olsen reprise his role as Marty Deeks, but the actor isn’t optimistic about returning to the CBS franchise anytime soon.
Eric Christian Olsen Reflects on His Time as Deeks
Olsen, who portrayed NCIS investigator Marty Deeks from the very first season, quickly became a fan favorite. However, his journey with the show came to an end when it was canceled after 14 successful seasons last year.
While his co-star LL Cool J made a guest appearance in the now-canceled NCIS: Hawaii, Olsen doesn’t foresee himself making a cameo in any future installments.
A Shift in Focus for the Franchise
In a recent interview with TVLine, Olsen expressed that although he misses his former co-stars, he doesn’t see a path for Deeks’ return. “I actively miss Todd [LL Cool J’s real name], and I was just texting with Renee [Felice Smith] this morning. I see [sister-in-law] Daniela [Ruah] all the time,” he shared, highlighting his close relationships with the cast.
Despite the flagship NCIS series continuing into its 22nd season, the spin-offs have been sidelined in favor of a new prequel focused on a young Leroy Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell. This shift complicates the possibility of guest appearances from beloved spin-off characters.
Looking Ahead: New Ventures for Olsen
Olsen also noted that he isn’t particularly eager to slip back into the shoes of Deeks, admitting, “Not so much.” Instead, he’s focusing on new opportunities. Currently, he is involved as an executive producer for the reboot of Matlock, starring Kathy Bates. There’s even a chance that he might make an on-screen appearance, marking his return to acting since leaving NCIS.
He revealed, “I often imagine myself in these really good, dramatic or funny scenes in the new series because they’re so beautiful.”
Conclusion
While the future of Marty Deeks remains uncertain, Eric Christian Olsen is channeling his energy into new projects and maintaining connections with his former castmates. For fans hoping for a Deeks comeback, it seems the wait may be longer than anticipated.
