Wilmer Valderrama Considered for Major NCIS: LA Role Before NCIS Debut

Wilmer Valderrama has revealed he was once in talks to join NCIS: Los Angeles. The meeting happened several years before he debuted on the main NCIS series.

The near-miss with NCIS: LA

Valderrama met with NCIS: LA showrunners about the character that became Marty Deeks. He said the creative direction appealed to him, but the timing did not.

Producers were searching for a partner for Daniela Ruah. Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J were already leading the series.

Who ultimately filled the role

Eric Christian Olsen was cast as Marty Deeks. He first recurred on NCIS: LA in April 2010.

Olsen became a series regular in season two. Brian Dietzen later confirmed Valderrama had been referring to the Deeks role.

Valderrama’s path to the mothership

A year after the NCIS: LA meeting, Valderrama shifted his focus. He decided to pursue a spot on the original NCIS series instead.

He debuted as Special Agent Nick Torres in the season 14 premiere. That episode aired in September 2016.

Career timing and choices

Valderrama said he had other projects he wanted to complete. That influenced his decision to pass on the spinoff at the time.

The near-miss highlights how schedule and priorities shape casting outcomes. It also sparks fan speculation about alternate casting possibilities.

Current status and legacy

Valderrama continues in the role of Nick Torres on NCIS. The series is deep into a long run and will return for another season this fall.

This episode in Valderrama’s career is a reminder of Hollywood’s contingency. Wilmer Valderrama Considered for Major NCIS: LA Role Before NCIS Debut, and the choice redirected his television trajectory.

Filmogaz.com obtained details of the meetings and confirmations from cast members. The revelation adds a fresh “what if” to NCIS franchise history.