When Jesse Lee Soffer stepped away from Chicago P.D., fans were left stunned. After a decade of watching Detective Jay Halstead evolve into one of the most complex, honorable, and emotionally layered characters on television, it was hard to imagine Soffer in anything else. But his latest post-P.D. role? It’s turning heads—and sparking major déjà vu for longtime fans of the Intelligence Unit.
Why? Because this new character feels eerily like a young Hank Voight in the making.
Soffer’s upcoming role in a gritty crime thriller (details are still under wraps, but speculation is mounting) introduces him as a morally ambiguous antihero navigating a corrupt system, making decisions that blur the line between justice and revenge. Sound familiar? That’s the same gray area that made Jason Beghe’s portrayal of Hank Voight such a captivating force on Chicago P.D.
And here’s the kicker: Jesse isn’t just acting—he’s producing. This gives him a level of creative control that suggests he’s leaning into the darker, more nuanced storytelling that P.D. fans thrive on. In a way, he’s taking what he learned under the mentorship of Voight’s character and channeling it into his own narrative universe.
From the trench coats to the quiet intensity in every stare, fans are already noticing parallels. In early stills from the production, Soffer’s demeanor is tougher, grittier, and far more unpredictable than Jay Halstead ever was. It’s as if we’re watching the evolution of a man slowly realizing that the justice system doesn’t always protect the innocent—and sometimes, you’ve got to take matters into your own hands.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions like:
“Is Jesse Lee Soffer playing baby Voight or what?”
“This has Jay Halstead gone rogue energy, and I’m so here for it.”
“I’ve missed this intensity. Jesse’s bringing it back tenfold.”
What makes this transformation even more fascinating is Soffer’s own connection to Chicago P.D.—a series that shaped his career and introduced him to a global fan base. His decision to walk away from the show wasn’t easy, but as he put it in previous interviews, he wanted to challenge himself, grow as an artist, and explore new territory. And with this role, he’s not just stepping out of Halstead’s shadow—he’s crafting a legacy all his own.
It also begs an intriguing question: Could this new character exist in a world adjacent to Chicago P.D.? A spiritual spin-off, perhaps? One can only dream. While NBC has made no such announcement, the tonal similarities are undeniable.
Whether or not this is a conscious nod to Voight or simply a natural evolution of Soffer’s acting journey, one thing’s for sure—he’s capturing that same raw magnetism that made Voight a fan favorite from day one.
So if you’ve been missing the intensity of Halstead, the fire of Intelligence Unit interrogations, and the no-holds-barred energy of Chicago’s mean streets, Jesse Lee Soffer’s next role might be just what you need. He’s no longer just playing by the rules—he’s writing them.
