NCIS Stars Hint at New Director Search Following Vance’s Passing
The hunt for the next NCIS director has begun following Vance’s unexpected death in season 23 — and even the cast is uncertain about what to anticipate from their new leader.
“We’re not entirely sure what the future holds for the director role,” Sean Murray, who portrays Special Agent Timothy McGee on NCIS, shared exclusively with Us Weekly during the 2026 CBS Fest on Wednesday, April 15.
Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres, echoed his co-star’s sentiments, stating to Us, “We’re still in the dark.”
The 46-year-old actor elaborated that the NCIS writers are “still brainstorming for the season finale” and solidifying who will lead as director, hinting that this year’s conclusion “definitely touches upon all those storylines.”
“I believe it will be just as shocking and intricate, particularly involving McGee,” Valderrama remarked about the finale and the ongoing search for a new director.
Katrina Law, portraying Special Agent Jessica Knight, also suggested that McGee might be a contender for the position, since he is the most senior agent next to Gary Cole’s Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker.
“It’s all very uncertain at this moment. It’s going to surprise the audience just as much as it does us, but that’s part of the excitement during transitions,” Law, 40, commented while at CBS Fest in Los Angeles.
She added, “You never know what surprises are in store. Anyone could come on the show or someone might be promoted — or return.”
Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover, who portray medical examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, respectively, exchanged knowing glances with Law on the red carpet after her nod to a possible “promotion” or “return,” hinting that a familiar face might play a role in next season’s changes.
While fans will have to wait to find out who will take over the director chair — a revelation likely saved for the finale or the upcoming season — the cast, like the viewers, are still processing the sudden loss of Director Leon Vance, portrayed by Rocky Carroll.
During the episode aired on Tuesday, March 24, which marked the 500th installment of NCIS, Vance was shot by a CID agent. Initially, fans thought he was wearing a vest, but through a series of flashbacks — including a visit from a Young Ducky Mallard — it was revealed that he succumbed to the fatal gunshot.
Carroll, 62, later disclosed to TV Insider that he was blindsided by the news, only learning about his character’s exit two episodes before it aired.
“No, I didn’t have a say in it,” Carroll commented to the outlet in March. “It was presented to me that the studio and network wanted to create something truly spectacular, something that would send shockwaves through the NCIS fanbase and the community.”
The cast was equally taken aback by the turn of events, given that Carroll has portrayed Vance since season 5 in 2008.
“When we found out, it was tough to comprehend. It was also challenging because Sean [Murray] and I were actively involved in the death scene,” Cole, 69, shared with Us on Wednesday. “It was strange because we’ve spent so much time together. However, it created a powerful, historic moment in the show, so we have to recognize the value in that.”
Law admitted at CBS Fest that she is “still not over it,” with Dietzen, 48, adding, “A lot of us are shaken.”
Reasonover, 34, confirmed that they are all “indeed shaken” by Carroll’s departure.
Dietzen reflected on how incredible it was to witness Carroll’s handling of his farewell and the emotional death scenes.
“It serves as a reminder not only to us as actors but also to the audience that the characters we portray place their lives in peril every single day, and it’s been a long time since we lost a cast member like that,” he stated. “It was truly traumatic for everyone involved.”
Even though there is a noticeable void where Vance once held the director’s position, Valderrama told Us that this loss opens the door for even more unexpected storylines as the next season unfolds.
“I can say that it kind of sets the stage for the premiere. Many answers will be found in the season opener,” he teased. “Something big is coming.”
Valderrama indicated that the cast is “ready to kick it into high gear,” confirming that it “won’t be long” before everything comes into clarity.
“It’ll definitely make you lean in,” Cole added, referring to the upcoming twists that are on the horizon.
NCIS airs on CBS Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
