Eric Christian Olsen of NCIS: Los Angeles fame might disappoint fans with his recent reaction to the possibility of returning as Marty Deeks.
NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen doesn’t seem keen to return to the hit CBS franchise anytime soon.
The star portrayed NCIS investigator (formerly an LAPD liaison officer) Marty Deeks since his recurring role in season one, eventually becoming a beloved member of the main team.
Sadly, his role in the hit spin-off came to an end last year when it was cancelled after 14 seasons.
While his co-star LL Cool J later popped up as Sam Hanna in the third season of NCIS: Hawaii (which has also since been axed), Eric doesn’t think a guest spot is on the horizon for him.
Speaking to TVLine, the actor was asked if seeing LL pop up again got him geared up to return.
He admitted: “I actively miss Todd [James Todd Smith, LL’s real name], and I was texting with Renee [Felice Smith] this morning, and I see [sister-in-law] Daniela [Ruah] all the time.”
Although Eric keeps in regular touch with many of the main cast, he doesn’t see a place for Marty to return any time soon.
NCIS’s flagship series is still continuing for a 22nd season this year, but its spin-offs have all been axed in favour of a new prequel show based around young Leroy Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell).
With plenty of its own characters and storylines to focus on, it would be tough to include guest appearances from fans’ favourite spin-off agents and still do them justice.
Eric seemed to echo the sentiment as he reveals he finds himself wanting to play Deeks again “not so much”.
However, he’s still very much a part of the TV world, having landed a role as executive producer on the new series of Matlock.
He could even join the Kathy Bates-led legal drama in front of the camera at some point, which would be his first acting role since saying farewell to NCIS.
The actor shared he finds himself mentally inserting himself into “these really good, dramatic or funny scenes” on the new series “because they’re so beautiful”.
Whether it’s as Deeks or another character altogether, fans would certainly be thrilled to see Eric back on their screens again.
When he’s not acting or producing, he’s enjoying married life with his wife Sarah Wright and raising their three children.
NCIS: Los Angeles airs on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+ in the UK.