FBI Spinoff CIA Casts Lucifer Star In Lead Role As CBS Gives Major Update

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FBI Spinoff ‘CIA’ Casts ‘Lucifer’ Star in Lead Role As CBS Gives Major Update

CBS is doubling down on its FBI universe, and the latest expansion is getting some serious star power. With the new spinoff ‘CIA’ officially greenlit, the network has now announced a fan-favorite from ‘Lucifer’ will take on the leading role. It’s not just casting news either—CBS also dropped some major updates that hint at big ambitions for this series.

Let’s break down everything you need to know!

What Is CBS’s New Spinoff ‘CIA’ All About?

At its core, ‘CIA’ will dive deeper into the world of American intelligence, shifting from the FBI’s domestic focus to the global operations of the CIA. Instead of chasing criminals stateside, expect undercover missions, dangerous espionage, and world-saving strategies at the heart of every episode.

Who From ‘Lucifer’ Is Leading ‘CIA’?

In a move that thrilled fans, CBS cast Tom Ellis—yes, the charming Devil himself from ‘Lucifer’—as the lead. Known for his wit, charisma, and emotional depth, Ellis seems like the perfect choice to play a daring yet complex CIA operative.

Why Tom Ellis Was the Perfect Choice

Casting directors didn’t just throw darts at a board. Tom Ellis brings:

  • Charisma: Essential for a role where persuasion can be life or death.

  • Depth: His portrayal of Lucifer showed how he can layer charm with genuine vulnerability.

  • Action Chops: Ellis has the agility and presence needed for high-stakes action sequences.

When you think about it, who better to play a globe-trotting secret agent than someone who once ruled Hell with a wink and a smirk?

CBS’s Major Update: When Is ‘CIA’ Coming?

CBS revealed that ‘CIA’ is set to debut in mid-2025. Filming is scheduled to kick off this summer, with locations rumored to span several international hotspots. Early buzz hints that CBS might even launch ‘CIA’ with a special two-hour event.

How ‘CIA’ Fits Into the FBI Universe

Think of ‘CIA’ as the rebellious cousin of the FBI shows you already love. While ‘FBI’, ‘FBI: Most Wanted’, and ‘FBI: International’ stay closer to home or allied territories, ‘CIA’ kicks down doors overseas, dealing with global threats before they reach American soil.

Will There Be Crossovers Between FBI and CIA?

CBS execs aren’t ruling it out. In fact, they hinted that major crossover events could bring FBI agents and CIA operatives together for special two-part episodes. Imagine the epic team-ups!

What’s the Tone of ‘CIA’?

If you’re expecting another police procedural, think again. ‘CIA’ promises a slicker, more serialized storytelling approach, blending intense action with character-driven drama. Early descriptions suggest the vibe will lean closer to shows like ‘Alias’ and ’24’ rather than traditional FBI episodes.

Meet the ‘CIA’ Showrunners and Creative Team

CBS tapped seasoned showrunners familiar with high-stakes drama:

  • Executive Producer: Dick Wolf (you know him from everything procedural)

  • Showrunner: Erica Messer (Criminal Minds fame)

  • Director of Pilot Episode: Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

With this powerhouse team, expectations are sky-high.

Plot Details: What We Know So Far

While CBS is keeping specifics close to the vest, here’s what leaked:

  • Tom Ellis will play Agent Sam Hartley, a former Navy SEAL turned CIA operative.

  • The show kicks off with Hartley uncovering a mole inside the Agency.

  • Storylines will focus on real-world inspired threats like cyberterrorism, rogue states, and biological weapons.

Casting Beyond Tom Ellis: Who Else Is Joining?

Although Tom Ellis is the big headliner, CBS confirmed a few supporting cast members:

  • Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break, The Walking Dead) as Deputy Director Helen Krieger.

  • Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl) as Hartley’s old SEAL teammate turned field analyst.

  • Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses) as a brilliant British MI6 liaison.

Talk about an ensemble with serious talent!

Where Will ‘CIA’ Be Filmed?

While the bulk of filming will happen in Toronto (a common stand-in for American cities), sources say on-location shoots are also planned for:

  • Morocco

  • Spain

  • London

Looks like CBS is going all in for an authentic, international feel.

What Makes ‘CIA’ Different From Other CBS Shows?

CBS is aiming to break their usual mold with ‘CIA’. Expect:

  • Darker Themes: Espionage isn’t always black and white.

  • Serialized Arcs: One-off cases will still happen, but season-long storylines will dominate.

  • Moral Gray Areas: Agents will often face impossible choices, blurring traditional hero lines.

In short: It’s CBS with an edge.

Fan Reactions: Are Viewers Excited?

Absolutely. Social media exploded after Tom Ellis’s casting announcement. Many fans who hadn’t previously tuned into the FBI shows now say they’ll watch ‘CIA’ specifically because of him. Smart move, CBS!

The Future of the FBI Universe After ‘CIA’

If ‘CIA’ becomes the hit CBS hopes for, don’t be surprised if we see even more international spinoffs. There’s already chatter about potential shows focusing on MI6, Mossad, or Interpol.

Final Thoughts: Why ‘CIA’ Could Be a Game-Changer for CBS

‘CIA’ isn’t just another procedural—it’s a bold expansion of a trusted brand with fresh storytelling and a beloved lead actor. With Tom Ellis headlining, a stellar creative team backing it, and CBS’s promotional muscle behind it, this show could ignite a whole new era for network television espionage dramas.

If CBS plays its cards right, ‘CIA’ could become the network’s next crown jewel—and maybe even challenge streaming giants at their own game.

Conclusion

The FBI universe is about to get a whole lot bigger—and a whole lot cooler. With Tom Ellis stepping into the world of international espionage, CBS is clearly aiming for a knockout. Based on everything we know so far, ‘CIA’ might just become the must-watch new show of 2025. So, buckle up, spy fans. Big things are coming.

FAQs

1. What role will Tom Ellis play in ‘CIA’?

Tom Ellis will portray Agent Sam Hartley, a former Navy SEAL turned CIA operative tasked with rooting out a dangerous mole inside the Agency.

2. When will ‘CIA’ premiere on CBS?

CBS plans to premiere ‘CIA’ in mid-2025, likely launching it with a major special event.

3. Will ‘CIA’ have crossovers with other FBI shows?

Yes, CBS teased potential crossover events between ‘CIA’ and other FBI shows like ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’.

4. Who are the creators behind ‘CIA’?

The spinoff is executive produced by Dick Wolf and Erica Messer, with Niels Arden Oplev directing the pilot episode.

5. How will ‘CIA’ differ from typical FBI shows?

‘CIA’ will feature darker themes, serialized story arcs, and international espionage, setting it apart from the traditional procedural format.

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