A recognizable star from FBI is moving to a spinoff in the latest cast change for the franchise. Co-created by Law & Order mastermind Dick Wolf and Craig Turk, the procedural drama has been going strong for CBS. The original FBI series, which first premiered in 2018, has led to the spinoffs FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. The latter show will debut season 5 in February, and it will be welcoming a familiar face.
Deadline confirms that Shantel VanSanten will be moving from FBI and taking the role of Special Agent Nina Chase to FBI: Most Wanted season 5. The actor, also known for her roles in shows like One Tree Hill, The Boys, and For All Mankind, joined the franchise in FBI season 4 and recurred throughout season 5. A reason for the move is not mentioned in the report, though it’s the latest in several changes to the overall FBI ensemble.
Special Agent Nina Chase Joins FBI: Most Wanted (& Other Character Exits)
Nina Chase is described as a skilled FBI agent. She’s sharp, strong-willed, and no stranger to being undercover. Despite the move, Nina remains in a relationship with FBI’s Stuart Scola (John Boyd), as they raise their infant son Douglas. Her addition to FBI: Most Wanted comes after another actor was confirmed to be exiting the spinoff over the summer.
It was revealed back in August that Alexa Davalos will not be returning to FBI: Most Wanted. The actor, who has played Special Agent Kristin Gaines since season 3, was told by a producer that she would not be coming back after filming her last scenes in FBI: Most Wanted season 4. According to the reporting at the time, Davalos’ exit had been described by multiple sources as “amicable.” Within the show, there was no hint that Gaines would be leaving.
FBI is no stranger to big exits. The franchise has seen the exit of Twilight alum Kellan Lutz, an original cast member who left after three seasons, and perhaps most notably, FBI: Most Wanted lost Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Charmed), who played the lead character of Jess LaCroix. The character had a shocking exit, dying after he was shot in the neck, and was replaced by veteran actor Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story, The Practice) as Remy Scott.
