Jesse Lee Soffer, known for his role as Jay Halstead in Chicago P.D., recently shared his thoughts on the potential for a return to the series while currently portraying Wes Mitchell in FBI: International, a show that also exists within the One Chicago universe. Soffer’s exit from Chicago P.D. at the start of season 10 left many fans dissatisfied, particularly regarding what they felt was a character-inconsistent farewell that aired in October 2022. Though he has shifted focus to his new role, Soffer’s ties to the franchise remain relevant, particularly with past crossovers between the shows.
In a recent interview with TVLine, Soffer expressed optimism regarding the opportunity to reprise his character, Jay Halstead. While he admitted to lacking any insider information, he does believe that his commitment to FBI: International should not hinder his return to Chicago P.D. He feels lucky to participate in both shows under the expansive Dick Wolf umbrella, which also encompasses the Law & Order series. Here’s what Soffer had to say about it:
You mean, like, if Jay gets sent an invite to a Burzek wedding? “You know, that’s a really smart question. I didn’t ask, but I imagine that [my FBI: International role] doesn’t preclude that. I would hope that it doesn’t, because, obviously, Wolf is such a huge production company with so many shows, and I feel very fortunate to get to play two main characters on two of those shows. So never say never!”
The Exit of Jay Halstead from Chicago P.D. and Future Prospects
A Less-Than-Ideal Conclusion
The storyline leading to Halstead’s off-screen exit was perceived as somber. His character’s arc concluded with him essentially distancing himself from his wife, Hailey Upton (played by Tracy Spiridakos), before heading off to Bolivia in search of cartel activity, leaving her calls unanswered. Following Soffer’s departure, Spiridakos also left the show during season 11, leaving the fate of their on-screen romance largely ambiguous and unresolved.
Earlier in 2023, Soffer joined FBI: International, taking over a prominent role previously held by actor Luke Kleintank, who portrayed Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester. While Soffer has directed episodes of Chicago P.D., his character Halstead has been conspicuously absent from the franchise since the end of season 9. However, there exists a feasible narrative path for Halstead’s potential return, as the formal connections between the FBI series and Chicago P.D. are not rigidly enforced.
Our Perspective on Soffer’s Possible Return to Chicago P.D.
FBI Shouldn’t Impede His Comeback
The crossover between Chicago P.D. and FBI was minimal, with only a single episode, “Emotional Rescue,”from season 2, featuring Soffer’s on-screen wife, Spiridakos, alongside FBI’s Zeeko Zaki. Importantly, no formal crossover between Chicago P.D. and FBI: International has occurred, which increases the plausibility of a future reunion for Halstead and Upton. Such an event would excite the fanbase, especially since Soffer and Spiridakos have been spotted together off-screen, fueling ongoing speculation about their relationship.
For more information, visit TVLine.
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