For years, to millions of viewers, Wilmer Valderrama has been synonymous with the charismatic, fiercely loyal, and occasionally reckless Special Agent Nick Torres on the CBS powerhouse drama, NCIS. Since joining the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) in 2016, Valderrama has cemented his place as a fan favorite, successfully stepping into a new era of the long-running show.
However, Valderrama is proving that his ambition extends far beyond the naval yard. With a flurry of major announcements spanning film, television, audio, and literature, the actor/producer is in the midst of a spectacular career renaissance that has the NCIS fandom in a state of delighted “obsession.”
His strategic move to develop, produce, and star in projects that speak directly to his cultural heritage and creative vision is what truly captivates fans. Let’s dive into the key projects that are defining Wilmer Valderrama’s new chapter.
The Swashbuckling Dream: Starring in Disney’s Zorro
Undoubtedly the news that generated the loudest cheer across the internet is Valderrama’s commitment to revive and star in the classic action-adventure series, Zorro, for Disney Branded Television.
This is more than just another acting role; it is a profound passion project. Valderrama is set to portray the masked, swashbuckling hero, Don Diego de la Vega, and his alter ego, Zorro, a character that holds deep significance for Latino audiences globally.
- Cultural Importance: For Valderrama, who emigrated from Venezuela, Zorro is a powerful symbol of heroism and justice. By taking on the mantle, he is honoring the legacy of a classic character while ensuring that the portrayal is culturally relevant and authentic for a new generation. This move aligns perfectly with his long-standing work advocating for better Latino representation in Hollywood.
- The Actor’s Fit: Fans are obsessed because the role taps directly into the skills Valderrama has honed as Agent Torres: the physical agility, the subtle intensity, and the undeniable charm. The excitement lies in seeing him transition from the grounded procedural world of NCIS to the sweeping, adventurous landscape of Spanish California. The project’s status—Valderrama will star in and executive produce—gives him creative control, ensuring the quality that fans expect.
🎧 The Auditory and Literary Empire: Podcasting and Memoir
Valderrama’s creative expansion isn’t limited to the screen. He is actively building an empire focused on powerful storytelling across multiple media platforms, particularly audio and literature.
1. The Podcast Network and Desi Arnaz Tribute
Valderrama has expanded his role with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, becoming a shareholder and committing to executive produce and/or star in new shows dedicated to elevating Latino storytellers.
His recent ten-part audio series, Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valderrama, is a standout. Launched as a tribute to the life and legacy of the iconic Cuban American actor Desi Arnaz (best known as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy), the podcast is part historical exploration, part personal reflection.
Why Fans Are Loving It: The podcast showcases Valderrama as a thoughtful, insightful storyteller and historian, rather than just an actor. He dives into Arnaz’s pioneering contributions to the television industry—especially his role in creating the sitcom format and launching Desilu Productions—drawing parallels to his own journey as a producer and immigrant in Hollywood. This deep dive into a cultural icon resonates powerfully with fans who appreciate his dedication to heritage.
2. The Debut Memoir: An American Story: Everyone’s Invited
Adding another dimension to his portfolio, Valderrama is set to release his debut memoir, An American Story: Everyone’s Invited. The book promises an intimate look at his life, from his humble beginnings in Venezuela and his journey as a young immigrant to his breakout role on That ’70s Show and his successful career transition to drama and producing.
- The Narrative: This memoir is a chance for fans to connect with the man behind Agent Torres on an even deeper level. It positions him not just as a successful Hollywood figure, but as a voice for the immigrant experience and a testament to the American dream. This personal, authentic storytelling adds significant weight to his public persona.
The Producer’s Chair: Empowering Latino Voices
Crucially, much of the excitement surrounding Valderrama stems from his work behind the camera as a producer and executive. He established his production company, WV Entertainment, to develop projects in both the scripted and alternative spaces, focusing heavily on diverse narratives.
Through ventures like the Allied Management Group—which he co-launched to represent and cultivate new and veteran Latino voices—Valderrama is actively changing the landscape of Hollywood.
- Impact over Stardom: For fans, seeing an actor they admire wield his influence to empower an entire community is inspiring. This commitment to philanthropy and activism, including his work with the USO, Harness, and Voto Latino, transforms his career news from mere entertainment headlines into significant cultural movements. His producing work ensures that his impact will be felt long after his run on NCIS concludes.
The Balancing Act: Torres and the Future
Of course, the perpetual question among the NCIS faithful remains: What about Nick Torres?
While Valderrama has taken on massive new projects, including voice roles in hit animated films like Disney’s Encanto and the upcoming Zootopia 2, he has consistently managed to balance his outside work with his commitment to NCIS. The fact that he is developing the Zorro series under the Disney banner, while NCIS is on CBS (both major studios), speaks to the careful scheduling and professional commitment necessary for this kind of multi-platform career.
The good news for fans is that Valderrama’s increasing creative ambition does not appear to signal an immediate departure from the show. Instead, it seems to fuel his performance as Torres, bringing a new gravitas and dedication to the character, knowing that the work he is doing on and off-screen is shaping a powerful legacy.
The collective fan “obsession” is thus not just about the individual projects, but about witnessing a respected actor strategically transforming his career into a multifaceted, culturally impactful entertainment empire. Wilmer Valderrama is proving he is far more than just Agent Torres; he is a producer, author, host, and a new Zorro for the modern age, and fans are eager to follow his adventure.
