Jesse Lee Soffer’s Transition from Chicago P.D. to FBI: International: A New Chapter Begins
For many fans of NBC’s Chicago P.D., Jesse Lee Soffer will always be remembered as Jay Halstead, the resilient detective with a strong sense of justice. Over nearly a decade, Soffer brought life to Halstead, a character who faced considerable trauma and challenges. Now, as Soffer steps into a new role in FBI: International, he’s embracing a fresh start and exploring new character dynamics. His new character, Wes Mitchell, is distinct from Halstead in attitude and demeanor, marking a departure from his previous work and setting the stage for a fresh chapter in his career.
Leaving Jay Halstead Behind
Soffer’s portrayal of Jay Halstead was integral to Chicago P.D., where he starred from 2014 until his exit in 2022. Throughout his time on the show, Halstead became a fan favorite, known for his strong moral compass, loyalty, and complex emotional journey. His struggles were evident: from personal loss to professional dilemmas, Halstead’s character endured significant trauma. Soffer’s performance showcased a character with “a lot of baggage,” as he recently described it, someone who carried the emotional weight of his experiences as a detective on the front lines.
When Soffer announced his departure from Chicago P.D. during its tenth season, fans were surprised but supportive. In an interview with Variety, Soffer explained that his exit was a necessary step in his career evolution. He expressed a desire to explore roles that would allow him to be more than just part of an ensemble cast. “I definitely think I’m ready to be a lead on a show and to have my own show,” he shared. His decision to leave Chicago P.D. was not only about moving on from Jay Halstead but also about taking on new opportunities and challenges.
Moving to FBI: International and a New Character in Wes Mitchell
Soffer’s new role as Wes Mitchell in FBI: International is a fresh departure from his days as Detective Halstead. FBI: International, part of Dick Wolf’s expansive TV universe, offers a different style and pace than Chicago P.D. Wes Mitchell is a supervisory special agent in charge, a position of authority that comes with its own unique pressures and responsibilities. Soffer notes that Mitchell’s demeanor and attitude are noticeably different from Halstead’s. Where Halstead was often weighed down by his past and the heavy moral dilemmas he faced, Mitchell approaches life with a more lighthearted, upbeat attitude.
This character is “totally new” for Soffer, who expressed excitement about playing someone who isn’t carrying the same kind of emotional baggage. Unlike Halstead, who was consistently entrenched in serious and often traumatic situations, Mitchell appears to be a character who genuinely enjoys his work, making him more relaxed and lighthearted. Soffer teased that Mitchell is “enjoying himself a lot,” which is a refreshing change for both the actor and his fans. He believes this new role will be “fun for the fans” to watch, offering a different energy than they might be used to from his previous characters.
A Desire for Growth: Soffer’s Path to Leading Roles
In addition to his extensive work as Jay Halstead, Soffer had the opportunity to direct episodes of Chicago P.D., a new creative avenue that he has embraced enthusiastically. His directorial debut in season 10 marked a new milestone in his career, allowing him to work behind the camera and gain experience in a different aspect of television production. Directing gave Soffer valuable insights and allowed him to stretch his creative abilities beyond acting. “P.D. is an ensemble,” he noted, “Jason [Beghe]’s definitely the lead and the strong patriarch on that show.” While Soffer was a crucial part of the Chicago P.D. cast, his role was still part of a larger ensemble where Beghe, as Sergeant Hank Voight, took on the lead.
Soffer’s move to FBI: International also reflects his ambition to take on roles with more prominence and autonomy. With Luke Kleintank’s exit from FBI: International in 2023, the door opened for Soffer to join the cast as a lead character. Taking over as the supervisory special agent, Soffer is poised to play a central role in the team dynamic, stepping into a leadership position that he previously expressed an eagerness to tackle. This transition provides him with a new level of creative fulfillment as he takes on the lead responsibilities that he’s been preparing for throughout his career.
How Wes Mitchell and Jay Halstead Differ
One of the biggest differences between Wes Mitchell and Jay Halstead is in their outlook and attitude. Halstead was a character shaped by his traumatic experiences. He often wrestled with difficult choices, and the weight of his job affected him deeply, sometimes even leading to strained relationships with those around him. In contrast, Soffer has described Wes Mitchell as a character who isn’t weighed down by the same burdens, which allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable approach. This shift in character provides Soffer with a chance to explore a lighter, more optimistic role, which will likely appeal to fans who are curious to see him in a new light.
The change in characters also signifies a shift in Soffer’s acting repertoire. While Halstead was often serious, brooding, and deeply committed to justice, Wes Mitchell seems to have a more vibrant and adaptable personality, suggesting that he approaches his work with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. The upbeat qualities of Mitchell’s character align well with the international, adventurous setting of FBI: International, where agents tackle cases across borders and navigate diverse cultural landscapes.
A New Chapter in Dick Wolf’s TV Universe
Joining FBI: International places Soffer within the larger Dick Wolf universe, which encompasses a network of interconnected shows that allow for potential crossovers and character collaborations. As fans of Dick Wolf’s TV franchises know, these shows often feature crossover episodes, blending storylines and bringing characters together across series like Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and the FBI franchise. This interconnected format presents exciting possibilities for Soffer’s Wes Mitchell, who could potentially interact with characters from Chicago P.D. and other shows in the franchise.
This move to FBI: International also strengthens Soffer’s presence within the Wolf universe and keeps him connected to the network of shows and characters that fans love. For longtime viewers of Chicago P.D., Soffer’s role on FBI: International provides an opportunity to see him continue his work in law enforcement, albeit in a new and different setting.
What Fans Can Expect from Soffer’s New Role
With the premiere of FBI: International season 4, fans will get their first look at Wes Mitchell and see Soffer step into his new role. Soffer’s portrayal of Mitchell brings a fresh perspective to the show, introducing a character who is not only skilled and experienced but also enjoys the thrill of his job. This lighter, more optimistic take on a law enforcement character could be a refreshing change for fans who followed Soffer’s intense portrayal of Halstead for nearly a decade.
For fans who have watched Soffer evolve as an actor, this new role signifies both a continuation of his work in crime dramas and an exciting step in a new direction. As Wes Mitchell, Soffer will have the chance to redefine his on-screen identity, bringing charisma and a sense of humor to the role, which will undoubtedly appeal to longtime followers and new viewers alike.
The Future for Jesse Lee Soffer
Soffer’s move to FBI: International marks an important transition in his career, allowing him to take on a lead role and expand his creative range. As Wes Mitchell, he can explore new character dynamics and challenges, delivering a performance that feels fresh and invigorating. For fans, this next chapter is an opportunity to see Soffer in a new light, portraying a character who embodies a different side of his talent.
As FBI: International continues to build its own legacy within the Dick Wolf universe, Soffer’s contribution as Wes Mitchell will no doubt become a defining aspect of the show. The new role is not only a chance for Soffer to grow as an actor but also a gift to fans who can now follow his journey in a fresh and exciting context. Whether tackling high-stakes cases or navigating team dynamics, Soffer’s presence on FBI: International will undoubtedly bring depth, charisma, and a sense of fun to the series, creating a new chapter that fans will be eager to embrace.
