Tom Ellis, who leads the upcoming CIA spinoff, reveals new details about the character he’ll be playing. Although the long-running procedural franchise has recently said goodbye to both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, it will be moving forward with a spinoff focused on the Central Intelligence Agency. It’ll be debuting later this year, with Lucifer and Tell Me Lies star Ellis in the lead.
In recent comments to TVLine, at CBS’ Upfronts event, Ellis spoke of what audiences can expect from the premise of the FBI spinoff. The Lucifer alum talks about how the inspiration for the series stems from how, following the events of 9/11, it became clear that the FBI and CIA don’t collaborate and share information as much as they should. In the quote below, Ellis explains how showrunner David Hudgins weaved that into the story:
Well, I mean, it’s the CIA, so it’s very secretive. That’s where we’re at with it. No, it’s, I mean, obviously, we’re going to work in the world of the procedural format that we’ve set up on, FBI. I think what what we’re looking to do is explore the notion of why these agencies don’t normally work together. And I think David Hudgins is writing the show. Part of his inspiration for it was the fact that after 9/11 it became very apparent if these agencies were a bit more collaborative with each other, then they could have, like avoided that, for example. And what they learned from that is that maybe if they shared a bit more information, they could do that. Now they haven’t necessarily done that on every case, but what we’re exploring with this show is what would happen if you teamed up this experienced field agent from the CIA with this guy from the FBI, and it becomes a very productive relationship, but also a very difficult relationship, because they have very different philosophies about how to achieve their goals.
Ellis also revealed that he’ll be playing a character named Hart Hoxton, describing him as someone who leans on lies and deceit to get what he wants, also sharing that Hart begins the series with a job that can be viewed as less than ideal. Ellis also further elaborates on how the character’s murky mortality is true to life:
So, my character is called Hart. He is an experienced field officer from the CIA, but he finds himself stuck in what some CIA agents might think was the boring end of the job in, you know, on home soil in New York. But he’s someone who, like many people who work for the CIA, has to use guile and deceit and lies to get what he wants. So there’s a large dose of moral ambiguity that comes with him, but that’s part of his job. So whilst that is, you know, not great for people in actual life, for a TV audience, it’s wonderful entertainment. So, yeah.
What Tom Ellis’ Update Means For CIA
He’ll Clash With His Partner
CIA will join the main FBI series on the CBS schedule in the 2025-2026 broadcast television season, hailing from Law & Order creator Dick Wolf and David Hudgins. The main thrust of the series will focus on two partners. Ellis’ character has been described in official reports as “a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer.” The second lead, however, is a veteran FBI agent who trusts the rule of law. The odd couple are assigned to work out of the CIA’s New York Station, finding that their differences are strengths as they begin to work together.
Note: Wolf and Hudgins both executive produce alongside Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. The project hails from Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.
The casting for the co-lead has yet to be announced. But for many, it may sound like Ellis is playing a less playful version of his character in Lucifer. Both portrayals march to the beat of their own drum, by the sounds of it, which could cause trouble with their new partners. That adds another layer to the importance of whoever gets cast opposite Ellis.
Our Take On The CIA Spinoff
Let’s See How The Premise Works In The Long Run
A lot of shows, particularly procedurals, begin with a tight premise that becomes more general as the show goes along. If it’s the case that CIA is lucky enough to run for several seasons, it will have to evolve beyond the initial tension between the two partners.
