Fans hoping to see Special Agent Marty Deeks back in the NCIS franchise might be disappointed. Eric Christian Olsen, who portrayed Deeks throughout all 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles, recently stated that he has little interest in reprising his iconic role.
Olsen’s Reflections on His Role and Future Projects
During a press event for the new CBS series Matlock, where Olsen serves as an executive producer, he spoke with TVLine about the possibility of returning to the NCIS universe. While he expressed fondness for his former co-stars, including LL Cool J and Renée Felice Smith, he admitted that he’s not particularly eager to play Deeks again, stating, “not so much.”
Instead, Olsen is embracing his new role in Matlock, where he finds joy in creatively engaging with the series. He shared, “I get to mentally insert myself into these really good, dramatic or funny scenes… because they’re so beautiful.”
The Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles
NCIS: Los Angeles premiered in September 2009 as the first spin-off of the NCIS franchise. The show followed Special Agents Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) and Grisha Callen (Chris O’Donnell) as they tackled military-related crimes. With its impressive run, the series became the second longest-running show in the franchise, concluding in May 2023.
What’s Next for the NCIS Franchise?
While Olsen is stepping away from NCIS, another fan-favorite actor is making a comeback. Mark Harmon will be returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the new prequel series NCIS: Origins, where he will narrate the episodes and executive produce. The series will delve into Gibbs’ early career as a newly minted special agent.
Exciting Developments in NCIS Season 22
As NCIS gears up for Season 22, showrunner Steven D. Binder teased an intriguing episode inspired by espionage thrillers. “What happens when a guy like Jason Bourne or James Bond ends up in a retirement home?” Binder asked, hinting at a storyline that will explore the challenges faced by characters with extraordinary skills dealing with aging.
Conclusion
While Eric Christian Olsen may not be returning to the role of Marty Deeks, the NCIS franchise continues to evolve, introducing new stories and familiar faces. Fans can look forward to exciting developments in the upcoming season, even as they bid farewell to beloved characters from the past.
