Chris O’Donnell has revealed that efforts were made to bring NCIS: Los Angeles back as a TV movie following its 14-season run, but CBS ultimately passed on the idea. Speaking with TVLine, the actor—who played G. Callen—said the cast itself suggested the project, even floating the idea of writing and filming a movie during the writers’ strike.
“We suggested it, actually,” O’Donnell explained, adding that CBS didn’t feel the TV-movie format fit its model. Despite the enthusiasm, the plan never moved forward. O’Donnell admitted leaving the show was difficult, noting how much the cast enjoyed working together.
While NCIS: LA characters continue to be referenced across the franchise, O’Donnell is now focused on his next chapter. He’s set to star in 9-1-1: Nashville, playing fire captain Don Sharpe, a role he says is very different from Callen. The new procedural is expected to premiere in September 2025, marking O’Donnell’s return to the genre he helped define for over a decade.