Jesse Spencer, the Australian actor who portrayed Lt. Matthew Casey on Chicago Fire for nearly a decade, has once again opened the door wide for a potential return to the NBC series. In a new March 2026 interview with TVLine—conducted shortly after the launch of his CBS military drama Guardian Shift—Spencer spoke warmly about his time on the show and expressed unequivocal willingness to reprise the role that made him a household name in the One Chicago universe.
“I loved playing Casey. He was such a grounded, principled guy in the middle of all that chaos,” Spencer said. “The cast, the crew, the city of Chicago—it all felt like family. If the right story came along and they wanted me back, I’d go back in a heartbeat. No hesitation.”
Spencer left Chicago Fire as a series regular at the end of Season 10 (2021), with Casey’s exit written as a permanent move to Oregon to foster and protect the Darden boys (Griffin and Ben) after their father’s death in the pilot. The departure was framed as a full-circle, heroic choice—putting family above the adrenaline of firefighting—and allowed Spencer to pursue new projects without burning bridges. He returned for multiple guest appearances afterward: the Season 10 finale (Severide’s wedding), Season 11 episodes (including a task force storyline during Taylor Kinney’s absence), the Season 11 finale (proposing to Sylvie Brett), and brief cameos in later seasons that kept the door ajar.
The TVLine conversation came on the heels of Spencer’s new lead role in Guardian Shift, CBS’s 2026 action-drama where he plays Captain Elias “Eli” Harlan, a paramedic-turned-firefighter heading an elite urban rescue team. Fans quickly noted the thematic overlap—high-stakes rescues, leadership under pressure, personal sacrifice—and asked whether the character felt like a spiritual successor to Casey.
“It’s different, but there are echoes,” Spencer admitted. “Both men are protectors at their core—Casey was more about the brotherhood of the house, Eli’s dealing with a broader city-wide scope and his own grief. Playing in that world again reminded me how much I enjoy the physicality and the camaraderie of these roles. Chicago Fire gave me that foundation.”
When pressed on whether he’d consider a more permanent return—perhaps as a series regular again or in a recurring capacity—Spencer didn’t rule it out. “Never say never. The show’s in a great place with Miranda [Rae Mayo], Taylor [Kinney], the new faces coming in. If they wanted to bring Casey back for something meaningful—maybe a big crossover event, a mentorship arc, or even closing a loop with Brett—I’d be honored. Chicago will always feel like home.”
The comments arrive at a time when Chicago Fire Season 14 is navigating post-crossover momentum (after the March 4 “Reckoning” event), budget-conscious storylines, and emotional arcs for core couples like Stellaride. Spencer’s name has surfaced repeatedly in fan discussions about potential legacy returns, especially with rumors swirling around other original cast members’ futures. His willingness stands in contrast to some past exits that felt more final, offering hope for a meaningful reappearance.
Spencer also reflected on how Chicago Fire shaped his career and personal outlook. “That show taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of showing up every day no matter what. Casey was the guy who held the line—I still carry a bit of that with me on every set.”
For now, Spencer is focused on Guardian Shift’s premiere run and the challenges of leading a new procedural. But his heartfelt “in a heartbeat” declaration has reignited excitement among Chicago Fire fans, who flooded social media with #BringBackCasey and montage edits of Casey’s most heroic moments—from ladder rescues to quiet leadership in the firehouse.
Whether it’s a one-off guest spot, a multi-episode arc, or something bigger, Jesse Spencer’s open invitation makes one thing clear: Matthew Casey’s story isn’t fully closed—and Firehouse 51’s door remains unlocked for its former lieutenant.
As Chicago Fire continues Wednesdays on NBC and Peacock, the possibility of Casey’s return feels closer than ever. And if it happens, Spencer will be ready—no hesitation.