The FBI franchise is taking a bold step into new territory, and two familiar faces are leading the charge. Tom Ellis, best known for his devilishly charming role in Lucifer, and Nick Gehlfuss, who won over audiences in Chicago Med, have been spotted filming scenes for the highly anticipated FBI spinoff. The working title of the series, FBI: CIA, signals a shift in scope — from domestic crime-solving to high-stakes global intelligence operations.
A Surprising Set Piece: The Ice Cream Truck
In recent on-location shoots, Ellis and Gehlfuss were seen filming alongside what looked like a regular ice cream truck. While at first glance it seemed like a playful prop, franchise fans know nothing is ever ordinary in the world of FBI. Industry insiders suggest the truck may serve as a cover for a covert CIA operation, or even as a mobile command post in disguise. The use of such an unexpected vehicle underscores the spinoff’s promise: to bring espionage drama into everyday settings while keeping the procedural roots intact.
Tom Ellis Steps Into a New Genre
For Tom Ellis, the series marks a significant departure from his years as Lucifer Morningstar on Netflix’s cult hit Lucifer. Known for his charisma, sharp wit, and magnetic presence, Ellis now gets the chance to channel those same qualities into a more grounded but equally high-pressure role. Early buzz suggests his character will be a seasoned CIA operative with a knack for thinking outside the box — a natural fit for Ellis’s commanding screen style.
Nick Gehlfuss Expands His Reach
Nick Gehlfuss, meanwhile, is making the leap from medical drama to espionage thriller. After nearly a decade on Chicago Med, Gehlfuss has earned a reputation for bringing emotional honesty to complex characters. His transition into the world of federal intelligence gives him the opportunity to explore a grittier, more action-driven role, potentially grounding the series with a sense of humanity amidst international intrigue.
Expanding the FBI Universe
Since its debut in 2018, FBI has grown into one of CBS’s most dependable franchises, spawning FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The addition of FBI: CIA represents the boldest expansion yet, widening the narrative lens to global geopolitics and covert missions. By introducing Ellis and Gehlfuss as fresh leads, CBS is signaling that the spinoff won’t just be an extension of the brand, but a reinvention aimed at keeping viewers hooked in primetime.
Why Fans Are Excited
The casting of Ellis and Gehlfuss has already set social media buzzing, with fans eager to see how the two will work together on screen. Ellis brings flair and unpredictability, while Gehlfuss offers emotional depth and grounded intensity. Together, they may form the kind of compelling partnership that can carry an entirely new wing of the FBI universe.
What’s Next
FBI: CIA is currently in production, with filming taking place in multiple locations to emphasize its international scale. The series is slated for release during the 2025–2026 television season on CBS and Paramount+. If the ice cream truck scene is any indication, viewers can expect a mix of clever espionage storytelling, thrilling action, and the kind of character-driven drama that has made the FBI brand a staple of network television.
With Ellis and Gehlfuss behind the wheel — or perhaps behind the counter of a spy-turned-ice-cream-truck — CBS appears ready to scoop up another primetime hit.
