A new report reveals details about Jesse Lee Soffer's new character in FBI: International after playing Jay Halstead in Chicago PD. Being a member of Hank Voight's original Intelligence team, it was difficult to say goodbye to Soffer's character. Not only was he vital to how the squad functioned, but his departure also meant leaving his wife, Tracy Spiridakos' Hailey Upton. Despite Halstead's underwhelming Chicago PD exit, NBC and Wolf Entertainment are bringing the actor back into the shared universe, but with one big caveat — Soffer will be playing a different role unrelated to Halstead.
In a new report from TV Line, Soffer will be playing Supervisory Special Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell in FBI: International season 4. He will be the latest addition to the Budapest-set Fly Team. "Described as charming and rakish," Wes is "an agent whose impeccable instincts and unconventional tactics fuel his drive to stop at nothing to achieve justice." Halstead's arrival in FBI: International comes on the heels of previous lead star, Luke Kleintank's departure as Scott Forrester.
One Chicago and the FBI franchise exist in the same reality.
Will Soffer’s Halstead Ever Return To Chicago PD?
Halstead's Chicago PD Departure Was Poorly Executed
Known for sticking to his principles, Halstead butt heads with Voit early on because of his tendency to operate in gray areas. For years, Halstead functioned as the team's moral compass, especially after Antonio Dawson's departure. However, Soffer's character significantly changed before he left, primarily because One Chicago had to find a way to write him out quite swiftly. Instead of coming up with a solid plan that would effectively explain his absence moving forward, Chicago PD season 10 left the door open for his return despite knowing full well that he would never reclaim his spot with Intelligence.
There were some expectations that Halstead would return in time for Upton's own departure in the Chicago PD season 11 finale. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. With his wife no longer a part of Intelligence, there's no urgent reason for Halstead's character to return to One Chicago — especially now that Soffer will take on a new identity in the same universe. Because of this, it's best to accept the possibility that Chicago PD will never be able to feature Halstead again. Admittedly, that's a disappointment, considering the way that his exit was handled.
Recastings are not new under Wolf's NBC TV franchise. So many actors have played different characters in different shows before. However, Soffer's transition from Chicago PD to FBI: International is the most prominent thus far. It will be interesting how Wes will be different from Halstead, if at all.
