Michael Weatherly provides update on Tony & Ziva NCIS spinoff

The NCIS franchise is on the cusp of getting much bigger. We've already seen things broaden out in terms of international involvement with the spinoff NCIS: Sydney, but now we're going to be getting a prequel spinoff focused on Leroy Jethro Gibbs AND a sequel spinoff focused on Anthony DiNizzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo)!

There hasn't been much information released about the Tony and Ziva spinoff, but Weatherly has been vocal about his excitement for the project. He's eager to revisit the character left almost a decade ago, and he took to Instagram to post the first legitimate teaser for the spinoff.

Michael Weatherly confirms spinoff schedule

The post featured Weatherly dressed in causal clothing with the caption: "New summer looks, getting better and ready for NCIS SUMMER SHOOTING..." This confirms what some insiders expected, which is that the spinoff will begin shooting during the summer. The spinoff is believed to take place in Europe, and revolve around a plotline in which Tony and Ziva are forced to go on the run.

The spinoff, which is tentatively being referred to as NCIS: Europe but does not yet have an official title, will break new ground for the franchise. It will be the first time an NCIS show doesn't air on CBS, and will instead go straight to Paramount Plus.

The spinoff will stream on Paramount Plus

The reasoning for the shift in presentation was noted by executive George Cheeks, who told Vulture that it was better suited to the way the story is being told:

"The Weatherly project really felt more like a serialized streaming show, and also was an example of us trying to expand the aperture of NCIS."

The decision makes sense from that perspective, and it's something Weatherly is eager to delve into. When the spinoff was first announced, the actor told Deadline that he's been wanting to tell the story of Tony and Ziva post-NCIS for years:

"We’ve been talking about this story for many years, and now with John McNamara at the helm, we are ready... [It'll] an action-packed roller coaster fueled by love, danger, tears and laughter."

Count us in!