Chris O’Donnell may be stepping into a brand-new procedural world, but he hasn’t forgotten the franchise that defined more than a decade of his career. In a candid conversation with TVLine’s Matt Webb Mitovich, the former NCIS: Los Angeles star opened up about his efforts to revive the long-running CBS drama following its 14-season run.
O’Donnell portrayed G. Callen, the Special Agent in Charge of NCIS’ Los Angeles office, alongside LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna and Eric Christian Olsen’s Marty Deeks. Though the series enjoyed a successful tenure, it never matched the unprecedented longevity of the flagship NCIS, which sailed through 22 seasons. So when Mitovich floated the idea of a reunion movie, O’Donnell didn’t hesitate to reveal he’d already tried.
“We suggested it, actually,” O’Donnell shared. “But I don’t think that formula works real well for CBS.”
According to the actor, members of the NCIS: LA cast even discussed assembling during the writers’ strike to hammer out a TV movie in roughly six weeks. But the plan never materialized.
“It was tough to leave because everyone just loved working with each other,” he added.
Despite the series’ end, the characters continue to live on across the broader NCIS universe. During the interview, O’Donnell learned that Callen and Anna are expecting a baby, while Sam Hanna is currently navigating danger in a DMZ. O’Donnell laughed at the update and admitted he’s glad Callen is still out there somewhere — but he’s also ready for what’s next.
From Callen to Captain: Chris O’Donnell Heads to 9-1-1: Nashville
A few years after closing the NCIS: LA chapter, O’Donnell is already diving into another major franchise. The Batman & Robin actor is joining the expanding 9-1-1 universe as the lead of 9-1-1: Nashville, following the flagship series starring Angela Bassett and Jennifer Love Hewitt, and its first spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star.
At the network upfronts, O’Donnell revealed he’ll play Captain Don Sharpe, though he kept most plot details tightly under wraps. What he did confirm is that Sharpe is married to a character played by Jessica Capshaw, and the couple shares a son who also works at the fire department. Filming has not yet begun, but O’Donnell made it clear that Sharpe is a very different man from Callen — giving the actor a fresh, exciting challenge.
The new series is set to premiere in September 2025, and fans can expect more updates as production ramps up.
