LL Cool J enjoys playing his character, Sam Hanna, in NCIS: Hawai’i and finds the new environment and cast refreshing.
LL Cool J had no doubts about continuing to play Sam Hanna, after closing the book on NCIS: Los Angeles and its 14-season run.
Sam Hanna’s multifaceted traits allow him to be a watchdog, friend, and achiever, making him a unique and strong character.
While NCIS: Los Angeles came to its conclusion after 14 seasons, that’s not the end for Sam Hanna (LL COOL J), as he makes his way over to NCIS: Hawai’i as a recurring guest star for Season 3.
In the premiere, Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) had to contend with Sam being the one to have to sign off on her return to work. Anyone familiar with Sam Hanna knows that he is uniquely qualified at understanding what it’s like when work bleeds over into the personal, and you have to handle the tricky balance between duty to country and your family. It will be an interesting adventure to see how Sam will both challenge and support Tennant and her team when he pops up this season.
During this interview with Collider, LL COOL J talked about why he wasn’t done playing Sam Hanna, his character’s unique point of view, having new adventures within the NCIS franchise, putting his heart and soul into everything he does, what most impresses him about Lachey, how the funniest moment in the Season 3 premiere came about, and being a big believer in the fact that dreams don’t have deadlines.
A Fresh Wave in Paradise
When you think of LL Cool J, you probably picture the tough, charismatic Sam Hanna from NCIS: Los Angeles. But now, LL Cool J has taken that same iconic energy and brought it to NCIS: Hawai‘i. And let’s be honest — it’s not just a change of scenery; it’s a whole new chapter. The rapper-turned-actor says he’s genuinely enjoying every moment of it. Why? Because the new environment and cast have reignited his creative spark.
From L.A. Streets to Hawaiian Shores
For over a decade, LL Cool J ruled NCIS: Los Angeles. The show’s gritty tone, high-stakes missions, and tight-knit team made it one of CBS’s strongest dramas. But after 14 seasons, the finale marked the end of an era.
Then came the twist: Sam Hanna wasn’t gone for good. He resurfaced — this time under the bright sun of Hawai‘i. The transition felt seamless yet refreshing. As LL Cool J put it, “It’s a different vibe — the island energy, the people, the pace. It’s giving me something new to play with.”
Why Sam Hanna Still Matters
Let’s not forget what made Sam Hanna so loved. He’s not just another federal agent — he’s a man of honor, loyalty, and strength. Fans have connected with his moral compass, his resilience, and that signature calm under pressure.
Bringing that character into a new setting keeps the NCIS universe alive and evolving. LL Cool J said that stepping back into Hanna’s shoes felt “like visiting an old friend but with new stories to tell.”
A Dynamic Addition to NCIS: Hawai‘i
When NCIS: Hawai‘i premiered, it already had a strong foundation — a diverse cast, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of action. Adding LL Cool J to the mix only amplified the excitement.
Vanessa Lachey, who plays Special Agent Jane Tennant, said in an interview, “Having LL on set brings so much energy. He’s grounded, experienced, and fun. The chemistry is instant.”
It’s that balance — professionalism mixed with warmth — that makes the ensemble truly shine.
Finding Inspiration in a New Setting
Hawai‘i isn’t just a filming location — it’s a character in itself. The landscapes, the culture, and the community have shaped the storytelling in ways that surprised even LL Cool J.
He explained, “There’s something about being surrounded by nature that brings peace. It’s not just about action scenes or cases — it’s about connection.”
This emotional depth translates beautifully onscreen. You can see it in the way Sam interacts with his new teammates, blending old-school wisdom with island openness.
The Power of Reinvention
One thing LL Cool J has mastered throughout his career is reinvention. From pioneering hip-hop to dominating primetime television, he knows how to adapt without losing his essence.
In NCIS: Hawai‘i, he gets to explore new layers of Sam Hanna — not just the tough ex-SEAL, but the man behind the badge. It’s the perfect blend of familiarity and novelty.
Building Chemistry with the Cast
It’s no secret that chemistry makes or breaks a show. Luckily, LL Cool J fit right in from day one. Behind the scenes, the cast often shares laughs, stories, and that unmistakable sense of ohana — Hawaiian for family.
As one crew member shared, “LL brings this contagious positivity. Everyone feels it. He’s a leader, but he’s humble about it.”
That attitude has helped elevate the show’s spirit — both onscreen and off.
A Perfect Balance of Action and Heart
What fans love about NCIS: Hawai‘i is its blend of intense investigations and heartfelt moments. With LL Cool J’s presence, that balance feels even stronger.
Sam Hanna’s expertise adds muscle to the team, but his emotional intelligence brings depth. Whether he’s strategizing during missions or offering advice to younger agents, Hanna always leads with integrity.
How LL Cool J Prepares for His Role
You might think after 14 seasons, LL Cool J could play Sam Hanna in his sleep. But he doesn’t take shortcuts. He continues to train physically and mentally to stay in character.
He’s shared that he studies real-world intelligence operations, stays fit, and keeps his dialogue sharp. “I never want to coast,” he said. “If I’m coming back, I’m coming back all in.”
That commitment shows — his performance feels as fresh as his first day on NCIS: Los Angeles.
Fans’ Reaction to His Return
The internet went wild when LL Cool J appeared in NCIS: Hawai‘i’s Season 2 finale. Social media exploded with posts like “Sam Hanna is BACK!” and “LL Cool J just saved my Sunday night.”
The response confirmed what producers already knew — fans weren’t ready to say goodbye to him. And now that he’s back, viewership has surged.
The Crossovers That Keep the NCIS Universe Thriving
LL Cool J’s return also opens the door for more NCIS crossovers. Imagine Sam Hanna teaming up again with Gibbs, McGee, or Torres — fans are already dreaming up scenarios.
CBS knows how powerful these crossovers are. They’re fan service done right — blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: LL Cool J Off-Camera
Off-camera, LL Cool J is known for being as genuine as they come. He jokes with the crew, shares meals with locals, and posts glimpses of island life on social media.
His Instagram often features behind-the-scenes moments — sunsets, surfing shots, or candid laughs with the cast. It’s easy to see he’s not just acting in paradise; he’s living it.
A Lesson in Longevity
Few stars manage to stay relevant across decades, but LL Cool J is one of them. His secret? Passion, humility, and a willingness to evolve.
From rap legend to television icon, his career proves that reinvention doesn’t mean losing your roots — it means growing new branches.
What’s Next for Sam Hanna
So what’s ahead for Sam Hanna in NCIS: Hawai‘i? Without giving away spoilers, fans can expect deeper storylines, new alliances, and emotional moments that reveal more about Hanna’s past.
LL Cool J hinted, “We’re exploring sides of Sam that we haven’t seen before. It’s personal, it’s powerful, and I think fans will connect with it.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter, Same Cool Energy
LL Cool J’s move to NCIS: Hawai‘i is more than just a casting decision — it’s a rejuvenation of a beloved character and a refreshing direction for the franchise. With his charisma, depth, and genuine love for storytelling, LL Cool J proves that even after decades in the spotlight, he can still surprise us.
The island may be new, but the heart of Sam Hanna remains the same — strong, loyal, and endlessly captivating.
FAQs
1. Why did LL Cool J join NCIS: Hawai‘i?
LL Cool J joined NCIS: Hawai‘i to continue Sam Hanna’s story in a fresh setting, bringing new energy and exploring different aspects of his character.
2. Will there be more NCIS crossovers involving LL Cool J?
Yes! CBS has hinted at future crossover events connecting NCIS: Hawai‘i with other NCIS series.
3. How long did LL Cool J play Sam Hanna before moving to Hawai‘i?
He portrayed Sam Hanna for 14 seasons on NCIS: Los Angeles before transitioning to NCIS: Hawai‘i.
4. How does LL Cool J feel about working with the new cast?
He’s expressed deep appreciation for the NCIS: Hawai‘i team, calling the environment “refreshing” and the cast “amazing to work with.”
5. What makes Sam Hanna such a fan-favorite character?
His mix of toughness, loyalty, intelligence, and humanity makes Sam Hanna one of the most beloved figures in the NCIS universe.
