Michael Weatherly Almost Said No to NCIS—The One Meeting That Changed Everything!

Michael Weatherly, a fan-favorite among NCIS enthusiasts, has revealed that he almost didn’t join the CBS hit series.

The 56-year-old actor, celebrated for his portrayal of Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, is set to reprise the iconic role in the highly anticipated 2025 spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva. However, Weatherly initially hesitated about signing on to the show, which originated as a spinoff of JAG.

In an interview with The Futon Critic, Michael admitted he was skeptical about being part of the crime drama. “I was a little reluctant initially,” he confessed. But that changed after a pivotal dinner with NCIS creator Don Bellisario in Australia. “Don’s personality, his storytelling, and his presence won me over,” he shared.

Weatherly had initially approached the meeting as a fan of Bellisario’s previous work, including Magnum, P.I., but the encounter convinced him to take a chance on the pilot. That decision proved to be career-defining, as NCIS became a massive success and Michael cemented his place as a cornerstone of the show.

After a remarkable 13-season run, Michael left NCIS due to burnout. Now, he’s gearing up for his return in NCIS: Tony and Ziva, reuniting with Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva David.

The spinoff follows Tony and Ziva’s dramatic Paris reunion after years apart. Their separation stemmed from Ziva’s staged death, orchestrated to protect her family from a lethal foe, Sahar. The stakes escalate when an attack on Tony’s security firm forces the couple to flee with their daughter, Tali.

As they navigate this dangerous new chapter, the couple faces personal and professional challenges while striving for a stable future. Speaking to Variety, Cote de Pablo teased a gripping storyline filled with action and emotional depth. “We’re exploring trust, partnership, and the complexities of parenting together under extraordinary circumstances,” she said.

Fans can expect an intense yet heartfelt journey as Tony and Ziva fight for their “happily ever after.”