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Michael Weatherly in NCIS © CBS

Michael Weatherly in talks for potential NCIS return – report

The star is reportedly negotiating his return

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
May 3, 2023
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Former NCIS star Michael Weatherly is reportedly in talks with the show about his return to the long-running CBS show.

The actor, who played Tony DiNozzo from 2003 to 2016, is negotiating with the drama's executives about his potential comeback, according to RadarOnline

WATCH: Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo says his goodbyes to the NCIS team

The publication states that while the show's bosses are keen for Michael to return, they are "balking" over his insistence that they also bring back his co-star Cote de Pablo, who played his TV love interest Ziva David, as well as his on-screen dad, Robert Wagner.

Michael has dropped major hints about his potential return and a reunion with Cote over recent months, leaving fans convinced that he will reprise his role sometime soon. 

What has Michael Weatherly said about returning to NCIS? 

In a Twitter comment on a reflective post from New Year's Day earlier this year, Michael alluded to a potential reunion for Tony and Ziva. The tweet read: "Happy New Year! It's time to look at time and enjoy the moment!" 

In the comments, one fan wrote: "We all would rather look at you and Ziva reuniting and enjoying that moment," prompting Michael to write the reply: "Stay tuned… for this might be an interesting year for such 'moments'!"

Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo and Mark Harmon© CBS
Michael Weatherly is reportedly in talks with NCIS show bosses

Back in May last year, he also hinted at his return to the drama. Taking to his Twitter account, the 54-year-old shared a TV Insider article that asked: "NCIS: Will Michael Weatherly return for a guest spot with 'Bull' ending?". He captioned the post: "End of @BullCBS tonight, I'm reflecting on 22 years of TV. From Dark Angel & @NCIS_CBS it’s been a fantastic experience; worked w/ thousands of actors & hundreds of directors. I'm taking some time to look back on it all. And always the question: @tvinsider."

MORE: NCIS star Michael Weatherly, 54, reveals tragic death of younger brother - details

MORE: Cote De Pablo's abrupt departure from NCIS in her own words

What's more, there has also been speculation about a possible spin-off series starring both Michael and Cote following the cancelation of NCIS: Los Angeles.

Michael Weatherly in NCIS © CBS
Michael Weatherly appeared on the show from 2003 to 2016

CBS has yet to make an announcement regarding Michael's comeback, but we'll keep you posted. 

Is Mark Harmon returning to NCIS?

Another actor NCIS fans would love to see return to the show is former leading man Mark Harmon, who played Agent Leroy Gibbs for 19 seasons.

Mark's friend and co-star Rocky Carroll addressed the possibility of a comeback in a recent interview with TV Insider. "We might see Gibbs again," he said. "I think as long as this show stays on the air, there will always be a little bit of a tease that we might see Gibbs again.

Showrunner Steven D. Binder also expressed his desire for Mark's return, telling TV Insider: "I don't see how we don't see him one more time at one point."

Cote de Pablo, Michael Weatherly and Mark Harmon© CBS
Michael and Cote played love interests Tony and Ziva on the show
Michael Weatherly, Sean Murray and Mark Harmon© CBS
Michael Weatherly starred alongside Sean Murray and Mark Harmon in the drama
Michael has frequently teased his return to the show in recent months
Michael has frequently teased his return to the show in recent months
Michael Weatherly and Robert Wagner© CBS
Michael is reportedly hoping to return to the show alongside his TV dad Robert Wagner
Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly in NCIS© CBS
NCIS fans are also hoping Mark Harmon will make a comeback

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