FBI: CIA Star Tom Ellis Hints at Undercover Twist in New Role

After Tom Ellis was cast as one of the leads of CIA, many speculated about his character’s origins, and the actor has finally confirmed one theory. CBS ordered the third FBI offshoot in April 2025 (after canceling the FBI franchise’s two other spinoffs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International). Like the shows that came before it, CIA features a recognizable face headlining the cast — Ellis.

During an interview with Parade, Ellis teased what was to come in CIA and revealed details about his character, Hart Hoxton. Ellis, who hails from Wales in real life, confirmed that Hart isn’t British. Instead, the actor will be putting on an American accent in the upcoming CBS police procedural TV series. Ellis explained:

“They don’t allow Brits in the CIA, apparently. I might go undercover as a Brit at some point in it, but yeah, I am going to be American in it.”

What Tom Ellis’s Comments Mean For His Character In The FBI Spinoff

Hart Hoxton Will Be Somewhat Different From His Previous Roles

Unlike Ellis’ most famous role as Lucifer Morningstar in Lucifer, the Welsh actor won’t be speaking in a British accent in CBS’s CIA. As he told Parade, CIA agents are required to be American citizens, and the TV series evidently wants to be realistic. So, those who know Ellis as Lucifer will see him in a brand-new light in the third FBI spinoff.

Ellis will be taking on a new challenge in the FBI offshoot. However, although Ellis’ character is American, Hart seems to share some qualities with Lucifer. As such, it will be peculiar to watch (and listen to) Ellis playing a role with an American accent, but perhaps there will be some familiarity for those who loved him in Lucifer. Plus, as the actor said, Hart could go undercover as a British man.

Our Take On Hart Hoxton In CIA

Everything We Know About Ellis’s Character

CBS’s initial description of Ellis’s CIA character was that he is a “fast-talking, rule-breaking, loose-cannon CIA case officer.” Now, we know that he’s also American. Hart works alongside his partner, who is a “by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.” As of the writing of this article, though, CIA has yet to cast its second lead and Hart’s partner in crime.

While speaking with Parade, Ellis revealed some more details about the FBI spinoff. He said that his character is a “renegade” with a lot of “moral ambiguity,” teasing how much he will clash with his FBI colleague, but also hinting that Hart is at least a little bit similar to Lucifer. Ultimately, Ellis’s leading role in CIA seems to have the best of both worlds, which makes him all the more exciting.