Actor Jesse Lee Soffer has explained why he joined FBI: International after leaving Chicago P.D., despite both shows being part of Dick Wolf’s TV universe. Soffer originally portrayed Jay Halstead in Chicago P.D., having also appeared as the character in guest roles in Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Law & 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, in FBI: International season 4.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Soffer explained why he decided to join FBI: International as Wes despite having left Chicago 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 was Chicago P.D.‘s showrunner through season 5 – was one he couldn’t pass up. He expresses excitement for his new character and role in the FBI spinoff. 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 in Chicago 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 means Chicago P.D. season 12 won’t be feeling his presence as much anymore, the actor’s newfound role on FBI: International promises a fun return in an unexpected way.
Related
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, following Luke Kleintank leaving FBI: International as Scott Forrester at the end of season 3. While it’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’s
Law & Order, One Chicago,
and
FBI
shows 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 in FBI: 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 with Chicago 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: International
season 4 premieres Tuesday, October 15 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.
Spun off from Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise, FBI: International is a procedural crime drama series that follows a group of Special Agents who are tasked with dealing with international threats against America. Led by Scott Forrester, the FBI’s international team works together with Interpol and other government operations teams to thwart terrorist plots.
- Cast
- Luke Kleintank , Heida Reed , Carter Redwood , Vinessa Vidotto , Christiane Paul , Eva-Jane Willis , Christina Wolfe
- Release Date
- September 21, 2021
- Seasons
- 2
- Writers
- Dick Wolf , Derek Haas
- Creator(s)
- Dick Wolf , Derek Haas
