Jesse Lee Soffer to return to Chicago PD as director
Jesse Lee Soffer is back, just not in the way we expected. While fans are still processing the fact that his character, Jay Halstead, has quit Chicago PD and high-tailed it to Bolivia, the actor will be sticking around to direct a few episodes in season 10.
Variety, one of the first outlets to report on Soffer’s exit, has confirmed that the actor will direct the sixteenth episode of the season, which will air at an undisclosed time in 2023. This will mark the second time Soffer has directed, after having spent nearly two decades in front of the camera.
What happened to Jay in Chicago PD?
Soffer’s directorial gig makes a lot of sense in light of the recent behind-the-scenes photo that was posted on social media. A candid pic from Chicago PD hairstylist Unwana Rose revealed that someone who looked suspiciously like the actor was still present on the set.
Those who saw the pic questioned whether it meant the return of Halstead, but now it seems to suggest that Rose merely snapped it during the production of episode 16. It makes sense, since the show made it clear that Halstead will be busy in Central America for quite a while.
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It’s interesting that Soffer would choose to stick around and participate in the production of PD‘s tenth season, given that it was his decision to leave the show a few episodes in. He’s not the only One Chicago actor to make this decision in recent weeks, as Med‘s Brian Tee confirmed a similar game plan for season 8.
While it may not stir up the excitement that a full-blown Halstead return would, the fact that Soffer is still in the mix is a great sign of things to come. If he’s still involved with the creative direction of the show, it seems logical that he would be more open to stepping back into the character that made him a household name. Fingers crossed.
dark. Next. Jesse Lee Soffer shares goodbye message
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