With new episodes airing every Thursday on Paramount+, fans love seeing Michael and Cote de Pablo reprise their iconic roles as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Ahead of the NCIS spinoff wrapping up season 1 on October 23, though, viewers may be curious if any of the duo’s former cast members may pop up at some point.
While we don’t know much about who will appear in the NCIS: Tony and Ziva season 1 finale, Michael did share with TV Insider who he’d love to see guest star on the show. As he filmed an Instagram video with the outlet while at New York Comic-Con in early October, Michael highly expressed interest in seeing Mark Harmon reprise his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. What’s more, he already knows how Mark could show up on the show.
“I’ll start with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” he shared in the clip posted on October 15. “I would love to just be walking down the street with Tali [played by Isla Gie] and this man coming the other way just gives Tony a head slap, completely out of nowhere. And then Tony just goes, ‘Thank you, boss,’ and keeps walking. And Tali goes, ‘Why did that man just hit you in the back of the head?’ And it’s like, ‘We used to work together.'”
When it comes to NCIS and its beloved spinoffs, few names light up fans’ hearts like Michael Weatherly. Known for his quick wit, charm, and that trademark DiNozzo grin, Weatherly has been teasing fans for months about the highly anticipated new series, ‘NCIS: Tony and Ziva.’ And now, he’s dropped another major hint — revealing the iconic actor he’d love to bring onto the show as a guest star. Spoiler alert: it’s someone with serious Hollywood history.
The Buzz Around ‘NCIS: Tony and Ziva’
Let’s face it — ever since CBS announced the new spinoff centered on Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), the internet’s been buzzing. The chemistry between the two characters is legendary, and fans have been craving this reunion for years.
The series promises action, espionage, and — let’s be real — a ton of emotional tension. But what’s really heating up the conversation lately? Michael Weatherly’s dream guest star.
Michael Weatherly’s Dream Guest Star Reveal
During a recent interview, Weatherly got candid about his wish list for the show. When asked who he’d love to see appear on ‘NCIS: Tony and Ziva’, he didn’t hesitate.
His pick? Robert Downey Jr.
Yes, you read that right. The Iron Man himself.
Weatherly joked that having Downey guest star would be “like the multiverse collapsing in on itself,” given their shared history and parallel careers. But behind the humor, fans could tell he meant it — and now, everyone’s talking.
Why Robert Downey Jr. Makes Perfect Sense
Think about it: both actors share that same sharp humor, that charismatic energy that makes every line pop. Weatherly has even admitted in past interviews that he modeled some of Tony DiNozzo’s traits after Downey’s iconic fast-talking charisma.
Bringing him into the NCIS universe wouldn’t just be epic — it’d be poetic. Imagine Downey playing a rogue intelligence officer, or maybe an old mentor from DiNozzo’s past. The possibilities are endless.
Fans Lose Their Minds Over the Possibility
Once the interview hit social media, the fan reactions were immediate and explosive. Hashtags like #TonyAndZiva, #RobertDowneyJrOnNCIS, and #DiNozzoDreamCameo began trending within hours.
One fan tweeted, “Michael Weatherly wanting RDJ on NCIS? That’s the crossover we didn’t know we needed!” Another added, “If this happens, I’m bingeing every episode twice.”
Clearly, the fandom is on board.
The Legacy of Tony and Ziva
For longtime viewers, Tony and Ziva aren’t just characters — they’re an emotional journey. Their will-they-won’t-they storyline defined NCIS’s golden years. And when Ziva was presumed dead, fans were heartbroken.
Their reunion years later, though brief, reignited hope that their story wasn’t over. And now, with this new spinoff, it’s finally continuing — picking up where fans always wished it would.
What We Know About ‘NCIS: Tony and Ziva’ So Far
Here’s the scoop: the series will follow Tony and Ziva as they raise their daughter, Tali, in Europe while navigating the dangerous world of international espionage.
It’s described as a mix of family drama and high-stakes spy action, and honestly, that’s a formula for success. Add a potential cameo from someone like Robert Downey Jr., and you’ve got appointment TV.
Weatherly and de Pablo’s Off-Screen Bond
What makes this series even more exciting is the undeniable off-screen friendship between Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo.
The two actors share a natural rhythm that makes every exchange electric. In interviews, they often tease each other, finish each other’s sentences, and radiate that same chemistry that made Tony and Ziva unforgettable.
Their reunion feels less like a reboot and more like destiny.
Could Robert Downey Jr. Actually Join?
Now, let’s get real for a second — could it actually happen? Downey’s schedule is notoriously packed, and he tends to stick to film projects. But that hasn’t stopped fans (or Weatherly himself) from dreaming.
With streaming and television now attracting A-list talent, a one-episode guest appearance isn’t out of the question. Downey has even said in interviews that he’s “open to fun and unexpected roles.”
So, maybe — just maybe — we’ll see Iron Man enter the NCIS world.
Other Dream Guest Stars Fans Are Talking About
While RDJ tops the list, fans have thrown out other exciting names too:
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Mark Harmon, to reprise his role as Gibbs in a crossover cameo.
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Sasha Alexander, as a surprise return for Kate Todd flashbacks.
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Sean Murray (McGee), because no NCIS feels complete without him.
The show could easily weave in these familiar faces to tie the new series back to the beloved original.
Michael Weatherly’s Vision for the Spinoff
Weatherly has said that this new series isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about evolution.
In his words, “Tony and Ziva have changed. They’ve been through pain, love, and loss. But they’re stronger now — and they’re not running anymore.”
That emotional depth is exactly what fans want: a mature, complex version of the duo they fell in love with years ago.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets We Know So Far
Production insiders have hinted that the show’s tone will be more cinematic than the traditional NCIS formula. Expect European locations, sleek espionage plots, and gritty realism.
Filming is set to take place across several countries, including France, Italy, and possibly Prague — giving the series a distinctly global flair.
Why This Spinoff Could Redefine the NCIS Franchise
After decades on air, the NCIS universe needed something fresh. ‘Tony and Ziva’ could be that spark — combining the heart of the original with a faster, more emotionally charged narrative.
And if Michael Weatherly’s dream of bringing Robert Downey Jr. to the show ever came true? It could go down as the most iconic crossover in CBS history.
The Future of Tony and Ziva
What’s next for our favorite agents? Weatherly has teased that the series will explore trust, family, and redemption, all while delivering the kind of sharp banter fans crave.
He promises laughs, heartbreak, and a few surprises that will “make old fans scream and new ones fall in love.”
Sounds like a wild ride ahead.
Conclusion
Michael Weatherly’s choice of Robert Downey Jr. as his dream guest star for ‘NCIS: Tony and Ziva’ isn’t just a fun fantasy — it’s a reminder of how deeply he cares about storytelling and the characters fans adore.
Whether or not it happens, one thing’s clear: the return of Tony and Ziva is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV events in years. And if Downey ever steps into that world? The internet might just break.
