NCIS: Los Angeles fans hoping to see Eric Christian Olsen reprise his role as Marty Deeks on NCIS are in for some disappointing news. In a recent interview, the actor shared that while he remains close with many of his former co-stars, he doesn’t see a return to the NCIS universe for his character in the near future.
Olsen, who portrayed the lovable former LAPD liaison officer turned NCIS investigator from the show’s first season, admitted that while he misses his NCIS: LA castmates, including LL Cool J (Sam Hanna) and Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye-Deeks), he’s not eager to return to his role as Deeks.
“I actively miss Todd [James Todd Smith, LL’s real name], and I was texting with Renee [Felice Smith] this morning, and I see Daniela all the time,” Olsen told TVLine. “But as far as Marty Deeks goes, I’m not really feeling the pull to go back right now.”
Despite staying in touch with several of the NCIS: LA crew, Olsen doesn’t see a place for his character in NCIS’ future plans. While LL Cool J made a brief return as Sam Hanna in NCIS: Hawai’i, Olsen doesn’t envision a similar guest spot for himself. The actor explained that the NCIS flagship series, now in its 22nd season, has its own cast and storylines to focus on, especially with the recent cancellation of its spinoffs, including NCIS: Los Angeles.
Olsen’s feelings echo the general sentiment that, with NCIS shifting its focus to new characters and a fresh prequel series centered around a young Leroy Gibbs, there may not be room for legacy characters like Deeks in the main series.
While it seems unlikely for Olsen to return to the NCIS universe anytime soon, he’s far from stepping away from the small screen. The actor is set to executive produce the upcoming new series of Matlock, which stars Kathy Bates in the title role. Fans of Olsen’s work will also have to keep an eye out for a potential acting appearance in the legal drama, marking his first on-screen role since leaving NCIS behind.
So, while a Deeks comeback may not be in the cards, Olsen’s career is far from over, and fans of the actor can look forward to his new projects.
