Here’s what Cote de Pablo requested of Michael Weatherly before signing on to reprise Ziva—knowing she’d “have to earn it”:
🎬 Cote de Pablo’s Request Before Signing On: The Tony & Ziva Reunion
Cote’s Call to Michael: “Would this get in the way?”
When discussions began for a Tony & Ziva spinoff, de Pablo privately consulted Weatherly. She told him she’d only agree to return if her involvement wouldn’t conflict with his plans. In her words:
“I said, ‘Do you think this would get in the way?’ And he said, ‘No, this would not get in the way.’ And so in a way, I got a green light from him.”
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This mutual respect set the tone for their collaboration—including a mutual decision to stagger appearances in the main NCIS series to protect the integrity of the new project.
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The Audition That Sparked Tiva: Weatherly Went Off Script
Before she landed the role of Ziva, Cote auditioned opposite Weatherly. During the screen test, he gently brushed her hair aside and said, “You remind me of Salma Hayek.” De Pablo assumed he was derailing her audition—but instead, her sharp, in-character reaction sealed the deal. She stayed composed, dismissing him completely:
“I clocked something… I thought he was trying to sabotage… then the room laughed—it clicked that they were appreciating the moment.”
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That crucial moment revealed their natural chemistry—and presumably led to her next request.
🔄 So What Was Her Request?
Cote essentially said to Weatherly:
“If you’re going to be a part of this spin‑off, I want to ensure it supports both of our careers—not upend one for the other.”
She wanted assurance that his involvement wouldn’t overshadow her participation—and Weatherly gave it. They respected each other’s space and timing within the broader NCIS universe.
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🧩 Why She Knew She’d “Have to Earn It”
De Pablo had history on her side—but she didn’t assume automatic entitlement to the role:
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She hadn’t been familiar with NCIS prior to auditioning.
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Her audition reaction needed to show real control and command of her character.
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She understood that earning her place meant embodying Ziva so fully she became inseparable from Tony’s world.
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That blend of confidence and humility explains her comment that she knew she’d “have to earn it.”
🗓️ Timeline of Events
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Before 2005 audition | Cote sends tape and is invited to LA for screen tests. |
| Audition with Weatherly | She lands the role after the dynamic off-script moment with Michael. |
| Early 2024 conversation | De Pablo reaches out to Weatherly about returning together. |
| Mutual agreement | Both agree one’s return shouldn’t overshadow the other’s—establishing partnership. |
| Development continues | They develop NCIS: Tony & Ziva as executive producers and host podcast together.Wikipedia+1vanityfair.comGrab A Byte+14TV Insider+14Wikipedia+14 |
✨ Bottom Line
Cote de Pablo’s key ask was less about control and more about respect and parity. She sought Weatherly’s assurance that their reunion project wouldn’t privilege one over the other. By knowing she’d “have to earn it,” she reaffirmed a principle: roles are won—not given. And that mutual understanding has become foundational to the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Let me know if you’d like both their quotes from interviews side by side or more about behind‑the‑scenes chemistry during filming!
