Eric Christian Olsen’s Current Projects: Why Marty Deeks Isn’t Coming Back to the NCIS Franchise

Marty Deeks, portrayed by Eric Christian Olsen, was a prominent member of the NCIS: Los Angeles team. While beloved by audiences as a fan favorite, the prospect of his return to the NCIS franchise appears slim. Since its debut in September 2009, NCIS: Los Angeles has endured through 14 exhilarating seasons, following the operations of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in the vibrant Los Angeles region. This setting has constantly immersed the characters in the challenging dynamics involving cartel activities and border-related issues.

The core cast of NCIS: Los Angeles saw only minor changes throughout its lengthy run, with Marty Deeks being one of the few exceptions. Initially introduced as a guest character in season one, he eventually became an integral part of the main cast. Deeks serves as an undercover operative and acts as the liaison between the NCIS team and the LAPD, navigating a world filled with rivals on both fronts. Despite his often carefree demeanor, Deeks consistently showcased both valor and intelligence, cementing his importance within the storyline. Additionally, his compelling relationship with Kensi Blye played a crucial role in maintaining audience interest, leading many fans to hope for his return in future spin-offs.

Eric Christian Olsen’s Ambiguous Response Regarding Possible Return to NCIS

Olsen Expresses Lack of Interest in NCIS Return

At the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles, Deeks and his partner Kensi, played by Daniela Ruah, joyfully discover they are expecting a baby and are gearing up for their new journey together. Despite the deep desire among fans for his character to make a comeback, Eric Christian Olsen has expressed a definite disinterest in reprising his role as Marty Deeks. When questioned about LL Cool J’s return to the franchise in NCIS: Hawaii, Olsen remarked (via TVLine):

“I actively miss Todd, and I was texting with Renee [Felice Smith] this morning, and I see [sister-in-law] Daniela [Ruah] all the time…”

However, when pressed about returning to his role specifically, Olsen’s response was curt: “not so much.”This suggests that after 14 seasons, the actor feels content with Deeks’ story arc. Having successfully concluded with Deeks enjoying a fulfilling life, marriage, and impending fatherhood, it appears he is ready to embrace new horizons. Moreover, Deeks’ absence from the franchise is unlikely to cause any disruption now that NCIS: Los Angeles has officially wrapped up.

Transitioning to New Ventures: Olsen Becomes an Executive Producer for the Matlock Reboot

Olsen’s Previous Producing Experience

After dedicating more than a decade to the role of Marty Deeks, Eric Christian Olsen is now steering his career in a new direction, taking up the mantle of an executive producer. In 2024, he joined forces with the reboot of Matlock, featuring Kathy Bates in the lead role. The show has already garnered a second season renewal, and Bates received a Golden Globe nomination for her standout performance. Although Olsen does not appear in front of the camera for this series, he has mentioned that he imagines himself playing roles in its comedic scenes.

Producing Credits of Eric Christian Olsen
Title	Medium	Year
Bald	Short Film	2014
Andy Irons: Kissed by God	Documentary Film	2018
Woke	Television Series	2020-2022
Matlock	Television Series	2024-Present

While Olsen currently has no public plans beyond Matlock, it is likely that the demands of producing its second season are significant. As it has only been a year since he stepped away from the role of Deeks, Olsen is still navigating this new chapter of his career in production. Given his dedication and talent, fans can anticipate more exciting projects from him in the near future.

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