Chicago PD posts Upton throwback pic as season 12 starts production

Chicago PD has gotten the ball rolling on season 12. The police procedural is embarking on its first season post-Upton. It's going to take some getting used to, but don't worry, because the franchise clearly has no plans of forgetting her.

The official One Chicago Instagram account posted a pair of photos to celebrate the show's return, and low and behold, Hailey Upton aka Tracy Spiridakos, was present. You'd be forgiven for thinking the first photo is from the set of season 12, given that returning cast members Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, and Benjamin Levy Aguilar are present.

Spiridakos posed for a set photo with the cast

It's the second photo, however, that confirms it to be a throwback. Spiridakos pops up in a light hearted pic that's accompanied by the caption: "u open the door and see this, wyd??"

It's also worth noting that Bojana Novakovic is also present in the photos. The actress was introduced as Josephine Petrovic in Chicago PD season 11, and many theorized that she would be the one to fill Upton's shoes.

Chicago PD boss is still unsure who will replace Upton

There was certainly a lot to suggest Petrovic was next up during the season. She developed a close bond with Upton, which eventually led the audience warm to her, and displayed a preternatural gift for police work in the field.

That being said, Chicago PD's cast and crew have been hesitant to confirm that Petrovic is coming back for season 12. During a recent interview with TV Line, showrunner Gwen Sigan said that the search for Upton's replacement is still ongoing:

"We don’t know yet. We get back in the [writers] room next week, and there’s a lot that we’re going to figure out. But I loved Petrovic on the show this season."

Regardless, it's nice to know the franchise is still keen on celebrating Upton's legacy.