Upcoming Jesse Stone Film Starring Tom Selleck: Ideal Role for Donnie Wahlberg Following Blue Bloods

With the conclusion of Blue Bloods, Tom Selleck may be poised to reprise his role in the Jesse Stone series, opening the door for co-star Donnie Wahlberg to step into an exciting new role. Before the enduring CBS drama took center stage, Selleck dedicated a significant portion of his time to both writing and acting in the Jesse Stone films, a collection of compelling noir mysteries. His obligations to the long-running police procedural have previously prevented him from revisiting the character of Jesse Stone. However, the conversation surrounding a possible Jesse Stone 10 is gaining momentum now that Blue Bloods has wrapped up.

Selleck has shown consistent interest in returning to the role and mentioned to TV Insider that he remains uncertain about his future projects. It has been nearly ten years since he last portrayed Jesse Stone, suggesting that significant developments have likely occurred in the character’s narrative. In light of this, integrating former Blue Bloods cast members into the new film could not only enhance its appeal but also entice long-time viewers.

Jesse Stone 10 Should Feature Blue Bloods’ Donnie Wahlberg as the New State Police Captain

Captain Healy Likely Retired by Now

Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg from Blue Bloods — Image by Yeider Chacon

The absence of Captain Healy in Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise was notable, given that he was a mainstay throughout the series. Portrayed by Stephen McHattie, who is now in his late 70s, it’s reasonable to assume that Healy has retired from his position as head of the Massachusetts State Police Homicide Division. This opens the door for a fresher perspective with a younger and more dynamic character taking his place. Donnie Wahlberg would be an excellent fit for this role.

The Jesse Stone Movie Series	Release Year
Jesse Stone: Stone Cold	2005
Jesse Stone: Night Passage	2006
Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise	2006
Jesse Stone: Sea Change	2007
Jesse Stone: Thin Ice	2009
Jesse Stone: No Remorse	2010
Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost	2011
Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt	2012
Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise	2015

Integrating Wahlberg’s character as the new Police Captain would create an intriguing shift in the established dynamics from Blue Bloods. Wielding authority over Jesse Stone, their contrasting styles could yield interesting tensions—given Stone’s straightforward approach to law enforcement. Moreover, the majority of scenes involving a Captain typically took place in a singular, static office setting, which might mean less filming time required from Wahlberg.

Both Selleck and Wahlberg have expressed their disappointment over Blue Bloods concluding and have openly advocated for its continuation. Their strong rapport, built over years of collaboration, would make it a natural fit for Selleck to create a compelling role for Wahlberg if he proceeds with the next Jesse Stone project. Notably, Selleck and Kohl Sudduth (who plays Luther “Suitcase”Simpson) are the only actors to have appeared in all previous nine Jesse Stone films.

Jesse Stone 10 Should Bring More of the Blue Bloods Cast Together

Selleck and his Blue Bloods Co-Stars Should Continue to Collaborate

Although discussions surrounding a potential Blue Bloods spinoff have surfaced since its completion, no official plans have been announced. Regardless of future developments, Jesse Stone 10 would greatly benefit from incorporating one or two standout members from the Blue Bloods cast. While the original full ensemble might not be feasible, it would be seamless to integrate notable actors like Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, or Len Cariou into the narrative of Jesse’s upcoming mystery.

The longstanding collaboration of these actors over the past 15 years has fostered a natural on-screen chemistry. Considering that both Jesse Stone and Blue Bloods rank among Selleck’s most beloved projects, allowing for crossover opportunities could enrich the Jesse Stone franchise upon its return.

Source: TV Insider

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