LL Cool J is making waves once again in the NCIS universe—this time, he’s trading in the bustling streets of Los Angeles for the serene beaches of Hawaii. As he reprises his role as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Hawai’i for Season 3, the actor and musician reflects on his impressive tenure with the franchise and the “good vibes” he’s enjoying on the Hawaiian spinoff.
In an exclusive interview with People, LL Cool J opened up about his decision to return to the franchise and what fans can expect from his new storyline. He shared that stepping back into the role of Sam Hanna felt “right” and described his return to the NCIS family as a chance to have some fun and explore his character in a new setting.
“It felt fun to me. It just felt right to me. It felt like, ‘You know what? Let’s have some fun. Let’s do this,'” he said.
NCIS: Hawai’i – A New Chapter for Sam Hanna
Sam Hanna’s transition from NCIS: Los Angeles to NCIS: Hawai’i is a significant shift for the character. While LL Cool J’s time on NCIS: LA concluded with a somewhat open-ended finale, the move to Hawaii allows for a fresh perspective on Sam’s story. According to LL, this change of scenery and circumstance offers viewers the opportunity to delve deeper into Sam’s backstory and future.
“The story definitely wasn’t over at all, that’s for sure. We’re finding out more about Sam, but remember, this is a different thing because Sam was transferred here.”
LL Cool J added that while he’s unsure of how long Sam will be stationed in Hawaii or how many episodes he’ll appear in this season, he’s taking it one step at a time. Much like the audience, he’s in the dark about Sam’s future but is eager to see how things unfold.
“I’m in the dark as much as the audience. We’re just having fun with it,” he laughs.
A Positive Working Relationship with Vanessa Lachey
One of the highlights of LL Cool J’s transition to NCIS: Hawai’i is his on-screen chemistry with series lead, Vanessa Lachey, who plays Jane Tennant. The two stars share a positive dynamic both on and off camera, with LL Cool J describing their relationship as a “good vibe.”
“I think it’s good energy,” LL Cool J said. “She’s a lot of fun. I’m really happy for her, happy for the success that she’s enjoying with the show, and I look forward to making my contribution in the episodes that I appear and just hopefully making the show that much more enjoyable.”
Their camaraderie adds a refreshing layer to the show, and fans can expect their team-up to bring an exciting new dimension to NCIS: Hawai’i.
Reflecting on NCIS Milestones
As NCIS approaches its milestone 1,000th episode, LL Cool J expressed how proud he is to be part of the franchise’s legacy. The success of NCIS has been a testament to the enduring appeal of its mix of humor, action, and compelling characters. LL Cool J feels fortunate to have contributed to such an iconic series.
“I think that that’s an amazing milestone. I’m so glad that I’m able to be part of something so special and unique in history, one of the longest running franchises in television history,” LL Cool J said. “It feels amazing. So I look forward to seeing how people respond when they finally get a chance to see what we do this year, or with this episode.”
His continued involvement in the NCIS universe, especially as the franchise celebrates such a monumental achievement, is a reminder of the lasting impact of the show.
The Secret to NCIS’ Longevity
When asked about the secret to NCIS‘s enduring success, LL Cool J credits the franchise’s ability to blend action, humor, and heart. He acknowledges that the fans are at the core of NCIS’s longevity and that they’re the ones who truly know what keeps them coming back.
“Ultimately, the fans got to answer that question. They can answer that question better than I can, but they know why they’re turning it on to watch,” he said.
As NCIS continues to evolve with spinoffs like NCIS: Hawai’i, LL Cool J’s return as Sam Hanna is another exciting chapter in the NCIS universe. Whether or not Sam’s stay in Hawaii is permanent remains to be seen, but for now, LL Cool J is enjoying the “good energy” of his new surroundings and is eager to contribute to the next chapter of the franchise.
Fans of the NCIS franchise can look forward to seeing how Sam Hanna’s character unfolds in NCIS: Hawai’i and what new dynamics LL Cool J will bring to the show
