Actor Jesse Lee Soffer has explained why he joinedFBI: Internationalafter leavingChicago P.D., despite both shows being part of Dick Wolf’s TV universe. Soffer originally portrayed Jay Halstead inChicago P.D., having also appeared as the character in guest roles inChicago Fire,Chicago Med, andLaw & Order: SVU. The actor, who had been on the series since the start, departed the police procedural in season 10. However, he’ll be returning to the sprawling TV universe as a new character, Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, inFBI: Internationalseason 4.
Speaking withScreen Rant, Soffer explained why he decided to joinFBI: Internationalas Wes despite having leftChicago P.D., with Wolf being a creator for both of them.The actor explained how he enjoys Wolf’s shows, and the opportunity to work with both him and executive producer Matt Olmstead - who wasChicago P.D.’s showrunner throughseason 5 - was one he couldn’t pass up. He expresses excitement for his new character and role in theFBIspinoff. Check out what Soffer had to say below:
Screen Rant: Like PD, International is also a Dick Wolf show, so what inspired you to stay within this genre, but move on from playing Jay?
Jesse Lee Soffer: Dick Wolf doesn’t make bad TV. He’s kind of got the market cornered, and when the opportunity came up, it was obviously Wolf and Matt Olmstead, who wrote the beginning of P.D., who was the showrunner originally for the first five seasons of Chicago P.D. And so I was like, “Oh, this is going to be awesome. I get to carve out a new character with Matt. I get to travel to Budapest.” There’s so much cool in this gig.
What Soffer’s Statement Means For FBI: International Season 4
His Character Will No Doubt Be A Memorable Addition
Soffer departed as Halstead inChicago P.D.season 10, where he decided to leave the force and return to the Army, sniffing out drug cartel activity in Bolivia. While the actor hasn’t shown up since his initial leaving,his presence has still been felt, with him and Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) getting a divorce off-screen before the start of season 11. While her own departure meansChicago P.D.season 12won’t be feeling his presence as much anymore, the actor’s newfound role onFBI: Internationalpromises a fun return in an unexpected way.
FBI: International Season 4’s Character Return Is A Big Relief After Scott Forrester’s Exit
Following Scott Forrester’s exit in season 3, FBI: International has been shaken up, but one returning character is a big relief for the new season.
Soffer’s Wes will be serving as the team’s new leader, followingLuke Kleintank leavingFBI: Internationalas Scott Forrester at the end of season 3. Whileit’s unclear how the established members of the Fly Team will react to a newcomer being their leader, the actor’s familiarity with Wolf’s universe means his characters' personality will likely fit right in. Given how excited he is to have this new role, it likely means good tidings for the new head of the team, even if it takes some time for him to fully integrate with everyone else.
Thanks to a number of character crossovers, all shows in Dick Wolf’sLaw & Order, One Chicago,andFBIshows take place in the same universe.
Our Take On Soffer Coming Back To Dick Wolf’s Universe In FBI: International
It’s A Clear Sign The Actor Enjoys The Creator’s Shows
Because of the excitement Soffer feels about his new role inFBI: International,we’re just as ecstatic to see him return to Wolf’s TV universe. Since Wes will be the new leader of the Fly Team, the actor will likely be taking on the role of new protagonist, something those familiar withChicago P.D.are liable to enjoy. While it signals a major difference compared to Forrester, it still sounds like a strong choice, especially given the actor’s passion for the show’s wider world.
FBI: Internationalseason 4 premieres Tuesday, October 15 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.
FBI: International
Cast
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
