Tom Ellis Hints at High-Octane Mayhem in New ‘CIA’ Teaser

The countdown to the upcoming FBI spinoff series, FBI: CIA, continues, as production gears up following its series order back on April 22, 2025. After it was recently reported that ER‘s Eriq La Salle has been tapped to direct the pilot episode of the spin-off, excitement is continuing to grow for another string to Dick Wolf‘s acclaimed bow. This, of course, comes after the already-announced confirmation that Lucifer star Tom Ellis has been cast in the lead role, with the acclaimed actor an intelligent addition to the next step in this beloved procedural franchise.

Set to be written by the aforementioned Wolf, FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, and former CIA officer David Chasteen, FBI: CIA is gearing up for a placement in CBS’ 2025-2026 TV season, with bigger and more detailed announcements likely to come soon. In fact, one such promo has already arrived, with a short clip released introducing Ellis to the FBI fanbase and giving a first glimpse at the explosive action they can expect. Available to watch below, the clip might only be ten seconds long, but it gives viewers a quick trip into the window-shattering world of FBI: CIA, as well as confirming that Ellis’ character is called Hart Hoxton. A synopsis for the spin-off reads:

“CIA is a one hour crime drama centered on two unlikely partners – a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer (Tom Ellis), and a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law. When this odd couple are assigned to work out of CIA’s New York Station, they must learn to work together to investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil, finding that their differences may actually be their strength.”

What Else is Tom Ellis Known For?

The latest big star to join the FBI franchise is one of the biggest yet, with Ellis certainly best known for his starring role in the beloved urban fantasy series, Lucifer. The Cardiff-born actor got his big break on British soil thanks to the sitcom Miranda, in which Ellis played the hapless titular Miranda’s charming love interest, Gary Preston.

With small roles in the likes of Doctor Who, Merlin, Accused, and, most recently, Tell Me Lies, Ellis has also appeared in several big-screen projects, including the likes of 2005 rom-com The Best Man, the Rebel Wilson-led comedy Isn’t It Romantic, and, more recently, Netflix’s Players. Alongside FBI: CIA, Ellis is also involved in another major upcoming title, namely The Thursday Murder Club, the star-studded Netflix adaptation, which also features Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, among others.