In a move that no one saw coming, LaRoyce Hawkins is reportedly stepping into an entirely new spotlight — and it could mark one of the boldest career shifts of his time on television. Best known for his role as Kevin Atwater on Chicago P.D., Hawkins has built a reputation for grounded, emotionally driven performances. But now, sources suggest he’s heading into something far more explosive.
A secretive, high-budget martial arts action project at NBC.
Details about the project are being kept tightly under wraps, but early information points to a cinematic-style series blending traditional martial arts storytelling with modern action drama — something the network has rarely attempted on this scale. Insiders describe it as a “genre crossover” that combines the intensity of crime storytelling with stylized combat and character-driven narratives.
And at the center of it all is Hawkins.
For fans who have followed his journey on Chicago P.D., the news feels both exciting and unexpected. His character, Kevin Atwater, has long been one of the moral anchors of the Intelligence Unit — a voice of reason in a world often defined by gray-area decisions. The role relies heavily on emotional nuance, internal conflict, and grounded realism.
This new project couldn’t be more different.
Instead of interrogations and street-level investigations, Hawkins is expected to step into a world of high-stakes combat, stylized action sequences, and possibly even period-inspired storytelling. While it’s still unclear whether the series will be set in a contemporary or historical setting, the “martial arts blockbuster” label suggests something visually ambitious — and physically demanding.
That alone has fans asking one big question: why now?
After more than a decade in the One Chicago universe, Hawkins has become deeply associated with his role on Chicago P.D.. For many actors, that kind of long-term stability is something to hold onto. But for others, it can also create a desire to break out, to explore new creative territory before being permanently defined by a single character.
If this move is confirmed, it signals exactly that kind of shift.
Sources close to the production suggest that NBC has been quietly developing the project for some time, looking for the right lead who could bring both physical presence and emotional depth to the role. Hawkins reportedly stood out not just for his on-screen intensity, but for his ability to carry complex, layered characters — something the new series will heavily rely on.
Because this isn’t just about action.
According to early descriptions, the show is expected to focus on a central figure navigating a world of loyalty, honor, and personal conflict — themes that align closely with Hawkins’ strengths as an actor. The martial arts element may drive the spectacle, but the emotional story will likely be what keeps audiences invested.
That combination is exactly what NBC appears to be betting on.
In recent years, networks have been increasingly willing to experiment with genre-blending series, especially those that can expand into larger franchises. A successful martial arts action drama could open the door to spin-offs, crossover potential, and even international appeal — something traditional procedural dramas don’t always offer.
Bringing in a familiar face like Hawkins could be a strategic move to bridge that gap.
For now, the biggest mystery remains how this project will impact his future on Chicago P.D.. Neither Hawkins nor NBC has officially confirmed whether this is a side project, a limited series, or the beginning of a larger transition away from the long-running police drama.
Fans, of course, are already speculating.
Some believe he could balance both roles, especially if the new series has a shorter episode order. Others worry this could signal a potential exit from Chicago P.D., something that would dramatically change the dynamic of the Intelligence Unit.
Atwater has become one of the show’s most important characters, particularly in recent seasons where his storylines have tackled complex social issues and internal conflicts within the system. Losing that presence would leave a noticeable gap — both narratively and emotionally.
Still, for many fans, the excitement outweighs the concern.
Seeing Hawkins take on a completely different kind of role opens the door to a new side of his talent — one that hasn’t been fully explored yet. Action-heavy performances require a different kind of discipline, from physical training to choreography to maintaining intensity across large-scale sequences.
If the project delivers on its early promise, it could redefine how audiences see him.
And perhaps that’s exactly the point.
Actors who successfully transition from long-running television roles into new genres often do so by taking risks at the right moment. This could be that moment for LaRoyce Hawkins — a chance to step beyond the familiar world of Chicago P.D. and into something bigger, bolder, and far less predictable.
For now, NBC is staying quiet, and Hawkins himself has yet to publicly address the reports.
But if the rumors are true, one thing is clear:
This isn’t just another project.
It’s a potential game-changer.