The cast and showrunner of CBS's NCIS have shared their thoughts on who might replace Rocky Carroll's character, Director Leon Vance, following his death on the show earlier this season. Interviews at the annual CBS Fest in Los Angeles revealed preferences for familiar faces or interim leaders amid the team's grieving process. No permanent replacement has been announced for the remainder of the season.
Rocky Carroll's portrayal of Director Leon Vance met a tragic end in the line of duty after 18 years on NCIS. The character's absence has left the top position at Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters vacant, prompting speculation about future leadership during the CBS Fest in Los Angeles. Brian Dietzen, who plays Jimmy Palmer, expressed a desire for a familiar face from the NCIS universe to provide stability amid the turmoil. 'Especially with all the tumult of losing Director Vance, I would like to see a familiar face there, so that we kind of know what our bearings are,' Dietzen said. He noted dozens of potential candidates but confirmed showrunner Steven D. Binder has kept the cast in the dark, with no firm decision for the rest of the season. Gary Cole, playing Agent Parker, suggested the writers are mirroring real-life scenarios where such roles might remain unfilled or cycle through interim appointees. Cole dismissed Parker as a candidate due to his anger issues, while Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick, supported Parker despite his preference for fieldwork. Valderrama viewed the vacancy as 'an opportunity to shake things up.' Showrunner Steven D. Binder praised Carroll for elevating the director role from occasional appearances to a central character. Binder indicated the team is not rushing to fill the spot, prioritizing the storyline's emotional aftermath, including grief over Vance and developments with McGee's son. 'We're going to keep our ear to the ground, and if a casting opportunity comes our way, we're going to take it,' he said, while expressing reluctance to promote a current team member to preserve on-screen chemistry.