A major Chicago Med star has joined the cast of FBI’s next spin-off, which is tentatively titled CIA. CIA is the third FBI spin-off, following FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. CIA is set to be focused on a rule-breaking CIA officer and an FBI agent who follows the rules, teaming up as a part of a task force that works to keep New York City safe.
Much more has already been revealed about CIA before the CBS series’ planned fall 2025 premiere. It is known that the star of Lucifer and the Arrowverse Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, Tom Ellis, will star in CIA as the titular officer. Now, a report has revealed who some of the other actors who will be following in the footsteps of FBI’s cast are.
Deadline has reported that one of Chicago Med’s original stars, Nick Gehlfuss, has joined the cast of CIA as an FBI agent. Simultaneously, the outlet reported that Michael Michele, from shows like the Dynasty revival, The Equalizer, Gossip Girl, and ER, will also be starring in CIA. Michele reportedly will be portraying the head of the CIA’s New York Station.
What This Means For CIA
During the first eight seasons of Chicago Med, Nick Gehlfuss portrayed Dr. Will Halstead. In August 2025, it was announced that the actor would be returning to Chicago Med for season 11. While the medical show brought back several actors from its past during season 10, Gehlfuss’s return is a huge deal since his character was so popular.
CIA casting an actor who so expertly portrayed a character that viewers loved for eight seasons has huge potential for the FBI spin-off. While the upcoming police procedural spin-off will be able to rely on action, mystery, and fascinating stories, having an actor that made viewers care should be a huge boon for the series.
The importance of Michele’s casting also shouldn’t be underestimated. An accomplished actor who has portrayed a wide array of characters, she carries herself with the kind of gravitas that comes when an actor is confident in their skills. That is exactly the kind of energy that perfectly fits someone being cast as the leader of a major law enforcement hub.
Our Take On Nick Gehlfuss’ CIA Role
Since Gehlfuss is heavily associated with his character from Chicago Med, his new role should be a fascinating change of pace. The reason for that is that the actor’s Chicago Med character was the polar opposite of his upcoming CIA role.
Throughout Gehlfuss’ time starring in Chicago Med, he portrayed a doctor who regularly broke the rules to do what was right for his patients. Now the actor is set to star in CIA as an FBI agent whose instincts are to follow the rules to the letter. It will be entertaining to see the actor playing a rigid character becoming frustrated with a rule breaker.
