At SDCC 2025, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly reunited in person for the first time in over a decade—declaring their return as Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo in NCIS: Tony & Ziva “deeply emotional.” They spoke candidly about revisiting old characters, emotional flashbacks, and the decades-long bond with fans.Wikipedia+15EW.com+15EW.com+15
💔 Revisiting Painful Memories—What Weatherly Called ‘Scary’
Cote shared that Michael emotionally struggled with one particularly intense flashback scene depicting an angry moment. She recalled telling him, “Oh my God, Michael, that was scary!” He admitted he avoids revisiting that emotional depth but noted that growth over the years now allows him to approach it with nuance. EW.com
🤝 Their Bond: Friendship Before Characters
Both actors highlighted how their off-screen friendship helped fuel their on-screen reconnection. Michael called it “a deeper, richer, more nuanced bond” while Cote described how they lean on each other emotionally on set—even as executive producers. CinemablendTV Insider
🛫 Origins: Revisiting Past Chemistry & Their Podcast Partnership
Cote recalled calling Michael back in 2019 to ask if reprising Ziva would interfere with the project, to which he gave full support. Their long-standing partnership includes co-hosting the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast, where they often revisit pivotal moments—affirming their mutual respect and creative alignment. Wikipedia+15TV Insider+15Screen Rant+15
🎯 Why Fans and Media Reacted with Such Emotion
-
The Comic-Con sneak peek drove massive anticipation, and the trailer became the most-watched in NCIS spin-off history. People.com
-
Redditors emphasized that Tiva’s onscreen chemistry—once a ‘will-they-won’t-they’ saga—finally gets its long-overdue narrative closure. Wikipedia+3Reddit+3Wikipedia+3
📽️ Interview Highlights: What They Said
| Topic | Quote & Insight |
|---|---|
| Emotional Reunion | Weatherly: “It felt wonderful to bring #Tiva back… we met so many fans!”Wikipedia+15Cinemablend+15TV Insider+15 |
| Deep Emotional Demands | Cote: “That moment took so much out of me.” Weatherly: “I just don’t like going to that place.”EW.com |
| Creative Partnership & Respect | “We sometimes ask permission from each other to sit out or not interfere with the show,” Cote said. TV Insiderhttps://actualnewsmagazine.com |
🎬 Why This Reunion Is So Powerful
-
Builds on over a decade of emotional history. Their characters once ended without fulfillment; fans finally get real continuity.
-
They’re both creative forces. As executive producers, their return feels earned, not formulaic.
-
Real intimacy. The emotional truth they display stems from friendship, not just scripted moments.
💡 What They Shared About the Show
-
The new spin-off starts filming in Europe (Budapest), focusing on the couple co-raising daughter Tali.Reddit+1Vanity Fair+1Reddit+9People.com+9The Sun+9
-
It plays out as a serialized thriller-meets-romance, giving them dramatic room to explore previously unresolved storylines. EW.comPeople.com
✅ Bottom Line
Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo aren’t just reprising beloved roles—they’re reigniting deep emotional bonds, both on and off camera. Their Comic-Con reunion was more than a press moment—it was a heartfelt re-commitment to Tiva, to the show, and to a fan base that has waited years for closure.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: How long have Tony & Ziva been apart on screen?
They haven’t shared significant screen time since NCIS Season 11; this is their first shared lead role in over 12 years.EW.com+15Wikipedia+15EW.com+15
Q2: Will Cote and Michael be involved creatively?
Yes—they’re both executive producers on the series. Their creative input has shaped the reunion and storytelling.Wikipedia+15TV Insider+15Wikipedia+15
Q3: What emotional challenges did the actors face?
Weatherly had to access an intense, “scary” flashback scene, which he admitted was draining. Cote supported him through it. Cinemablend+6EW.com+6Cinemablend+6
Q4: When does production begin?
Filming began in June–July 2025, based in Europe (Budapest). TV InsiderCinemablend
Q5: Where can I follow more updates?
Fans can listen to their Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast for more insights, and the trailer/coverage is available in entertainment media. Wikipedia+2Screen Rant+2Reddit+2
