Chicago P.D.showrunner Gwen Sigan addresses anFBI: Internationalcrossover with Jesse Lee Soffer’s new character. The possibility of Soffer reprising the role of Jay Halstead resurfaced recently when the actor expressed an openness to returning toChicago P.D.despite his on-screen involvement withFBI: International,which is technically part of the One Chicago universe. The actor has not appeared on One Chicago sinceHalstead’s controversial exitin October 2022.
In an interview withScreen Rant’s Rachel Foertsch, Sigan was asked about Soffer showing up toChicago P.D.as his newFBI: Internationalcharacter Wes Mitchell. The executive producer and showrunner sounds unconvinced about the idea that Soffer would play two characters, though she adds thatHalstead could also return to One Chicago as a one-off.Read the response below:
Yeah! I don’t know how we’d do it! He’d have to play two characters, but I think he could always come back to our show as Halstead for a one-off. There are so many opportunities. It’s funny to have him now in a whole different universe as a different character.
Soffer’s FBI: International Character Explained & What It Means For One Chicago
Wes Mitchell Is A Very Different Character
SofferjoinedFBI: Internationalseason 4 earlier this year, as Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, filling the void left bydeparting cast member Luke Kleintank, who played Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester. The character has a generally more relaxed vibe, compared to Halsted, knowing when to get serious and when to lean back. It’s worth noting that theFBIshows and One Chicago all fall under Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment production company, which routinely reuses actors for different characters.
Every Show In One Chicago’s Shared Universe Explained
One Chicago is only one of three Dick Wolf franchises on TV, but all of his other shows are connected to the franchise in various ways.
The situation with Soffer is a little different for two reasons. The first reason is that there’s a loose connection between the mainFBIseries andChicago P.D., which crossed over once in the past, though that doesn’t includeFBI: International. The second reason is that Halstead’s departure fromChicago P.D. proved extremely unpopular. He essentially abandons his wife, Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), in pursuit of a case, and the two end up divorcing. Spiridakos later leftChicago P.D.herself. Soffer has been open to coming back as Halstead, though nothing is in the works on that front.
It Will Take Time
Halstead could eventually show up back inChicago P.D., with both the showrunner and the actor signaling that a brief return would benefit the story. But at least for the moment, it sounds like the surefire way to see Soffer is through his new role asFBI: International’s Wes Mitchell. Still, considering both worlds are under the same umbrella, some bit of closure may not be out of the question.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
FBI: International
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.
