Summary
Chicago P.D.star Jesse Lee Soffer is returning to theOne Chicagofranchise, joiningFBI: Internationalseason 4 — but there’s a big twist. In 2023, there were strong reactions toSoffer’s departure duringChicago P.D.season 10due to how the story was handled. The actor explained that even though he will always have love and an appreciation for his time as Halstead, he felt it was time to move on from the role. His next gig brings him back to the universe of dramas produced byLaw & Ordercreator Dick Wolf, albeit in an unexpected way.
TVLineconfirms thatSoffer is joiningFBI: Internationalseason 4, filling the void left by the exit of original cast member Luke Kleintank, who played Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester. But even thoughFBIandChicago P.D.exist in the same universe,Soffer will be playing a new character.
The Chicago P.D. Connection With FBI, Explained
The Two Shows Have Crossed Over Before.
There is no word yet on how and if the new casting will be addressed on-screen, but it may suggest that the shared universe of the two series may be less emphasized moving forward.
The connection betweenChicago P.D.andFBIgoes back to anFBIseason 2 episode, “Emotional Rescue,” in which the two procedurals converge. In a nod to the crossover, which featuresChicago P.D.character Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), the episode is written by veteran Dick Wolf producer Rick Eid. There is no word yet on how and if the new casting will be addressed on-screen, but it may suggest thatthe shared universe of the two series may be less emphasized moving forward.
The latest casting also does not address Soffer’s controversial exit from theOne Chicagofranchise, with Halstead essentially ghosting his wife Hailey Upton. He leaves for Bolivia, in hopes of finding some cartel targets. In the process, he stops returning her calls. Audiences were generally not receptive to how Halstead was written off, arguing thatit diminished the couple known as “Upstead"because he not only leaves for Bolivia but fails to tell Upton that he plans to extend his stay. Spiridakos has since departedChicago P.D.herself, leaving during season 11.
What Happened To Antonio In Chicago PD? His Exit Explained
Since Antonio’s sudden exit from Chicago P.D. raises questions about his fate, here’s a breakdown of what actually happened to him after season 7.
Although actors appearing as more than one character is common in the Dick Wolf universe, whether onLaw & Orderor elsewhere, the latest example does come with a significant asterisk since there were hopes to see Soffer at least make a cameo as his long-runningChicago P.D.character. It seems hisnewFBI: Internationalseason 4gig has made that more difficult.
FBI: International
Cast
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
