Jesse Lee Soffer discusses the possibility of returning to Chicago Police like Jay Halstead, now that he's joined another show that's technically part of the One Chicago universe. Soffer left Chicago Police at the start of season 10, with its final episode airing in October 2022. The departure proved controversialwith many viewers arguing that the farewell storyline was out of character for Halstead. Although he hasn't been seen on One Chicago since, Soffer plays Wes Mitchell in FBI: International, which has crossed over with the NBC procedural franchise in the past.
In comments to TV LineSoffer opened up about the possibility of reprising the role of Jay Halstead. The actor confessed that he has no insider knowledge to share. But he shared his belief that his new role as Wes shouldn't stop him from returning as Halstead. He also says he's lucky enough to be a part of two shows in the overall Dick Wolf universe – which includes the Law & Order shows. Read Soffer's response below:
You mean, like, if Jay gets an invite to a wedding from Burzek? “You know, that’s a really smart question. I didn't ask, but I imagine [my FBI: International role] does not prevent this. I hope that doesn't happen, because obviously Wolf is a huge production company with so many shows, and I feel very lucky to play two main characters on two of those shows. So never say never!”
Jay Halstead's Chicago PD Departure and Possible Future, Explained
It wasn't a happy ending
Halstead's departure from Chicago Police was remarkably severe. The franchise's veteran character ends up more or less ignoring his wife, Hailey Upton (played by Tracy Spiridakos). Halstead heads to Bolivia in search of cartels and stops returning her calls. Spiridakos has already left Chicago Police herself, leaving during season 11, which leaves the fan-favorite couple's story largely unresolved.
Soffer entered FBI: International Season 4 earlier this yeartaking over the spot left by original cast member Luke Kleintank, who played Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester. Although he returned to One Chicago behind the camera, directing two episodes, Halstead was nowhere to be seen. But he could possibly return Chicago Police from the connection with FBI is not applied regularly.
Our Take on Soffer's Return to the Chicago Police Department
FBI Shouldn't stop this from happening
Chicago Police and FBI I only crossed once FBI season 2 episode, “Emotional Rescue”, while Spiridakos shares screen time with FBIIt's Zeeko Zaki. Chicago Police did not cross FBI: Internationalso a little separation should make a Halstead and Upton reunion a little more viable. It would be cool to see, especially with Spiridakos and Soffer keeping in touch off-camera and spreading dating rumors.
Source: TV Line