When it comes to Chicago P.D., the long-running crime drama has built its reputation on gripping storylines and a talented ensemble cast. However, one surprising “what if” in the show’s history involves none other than Scott Eastwood, who was initially offered a lead role on the series. Despite the show’s immense success and its connection to TV legend Dick Wolf, Eastwood turned down the opportunity after appearing in just one episode. Now, he’s opening up about his decision, shedding light on why he walked away from what could have been a defining moment in his career.
A Brief Appearance That Could Have Been More
Scott Eastwood made a single appearance in Chicago P.D.’s backdoor pilot, which aired as part of Chicago Fire during its first season. The pilot served as an introduction to the Intelligence Unit and set the stage for the police procedural that would become a staple of NBC’s lineup. Eastwood played Officer Jim Barnes, a young, ambitious cop who could have become a central character in the spin-off series. However, when the show officially launched in 2014, Eastwood was notably absent. The role of Jay Halstead, which many speculate was originally intended for Eastwood, was instead given to Jesse Lee Soffer, who went on to become one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Why Eastwood Walked Away
In a recent interview, Eastwood addressed the decision to leave Chicago P.D. behind. “People thought I was crazy,” he admitted. “It’s Dick Wolf. It’s Chicago P.D.. It’s a massive opportunity, no doubt about it.” So why did he say no? According to Eastwood, it boiled down to timing and priorities. “At that point in my career, I was more focused on films. I wanted to explore different roles and genres, and committing to a long-term TV project just didn’t feel like the right move for me. I didn’t want to get locked into one character for years, even though the show had incredible potential.”
The Reaction to His Decision
Unsurprisingly, Eastwood’s decision raised eyebrows, particularly within the industry. “I had people telling me I was making a mistake,” he recalled. “The phrase I kept hearing was, ‘You’re crazy. It’s Dick Wolf!’ And they weren’t wrong. Dick Wolf has a proven track record of creating iconic TV shows. But at the end of the day, you have to trust your gut.” The role of Jay Halstead ultimately became one of the standout characters on Chicago P.D., and Jesse Lee Soffer’s portrayal earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan following. Eastwood, meanwhile, pursued a successful film career, appearing in movies like Suicide Squad, The Fate of the Furious, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.
No Regrets
Despite walking away from what became a television juggernaut, Eastwood insists he has no regrets. “It’s amazing to see how the show has grown and how much fans love it. I’m happy for everyone involved, and I don’t look back on my decision with any bitterness. I made the choice that felt right for me at the time, and it allowed me to explore other opportunities.” Eastwood also spoke highly of Jesse Lee Soffer, who brought depth and nuance to the role of Halstead. “Jesse did an incredible job. He made that character his own, and I don’t think anyone else could have done it better. It all worked out the way it was supposed to.”
What’s Next for Eastwood?
While Eastwood has largely focused on films, he hasn’t ruled out a return to television in the future. “TV has changed so much over the years,” he noted. “The storytelling is on another level, and there are so many opportunities to do something unique. If the right project comes along, I’d absolutely consider it.” As for whether he’d ever consider joining the One Chicago universe down the line, Eastwood left the door open. “Never say never. Who knows? Maybe there’s a guest role waiting for me someday.”
Final Thoughts
Scott Eastwood’s departure from Chicago P.D. after just one episode is a fascinating “what could have been” moment in the show’s history. While his decision may have seemed risky at the time, it ultimately allowed him to carve out his own path in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Chicago P.D. has flourished, proving that sometimes things work out just as they’re meant to. And for fans of both Eastwood and the show, there’s always the possibility that their paths could cross again in the future.
