In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Michael Weatherly, the charismatic star of NCIS and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, revealed he’s keeping the door wide open for a potential collaboration with his niece,

Alexandra Breckenridge, the acclaimed actress known for her pivotal role in Netflix’s hit series Virgin River. The revelation has sparked excitement among fans, who can’t help but imagine

the intriguing dynamic of the two stars sharing the screen. Weatherly, 57, expressed his deep admiration for Breckenridge, 43, describing her as not only a talented actress but also a beloved family member.

“Personally, I would love that. I love Alex so much. She is an amazing human and niece. I love her husband, Casey [Hooper], and their kids,” Weatherly gushed during the interview. His warmth and enthusiasm for the idea were palpable, even as he emphasized his philosophy of letting opportunities unfold naturally. “Gosh, I always wait for the universe to do what it’s gonna do. I try not to push too hard,” he said.

A Long-Awaited Collaboration?

Fans of both NCIS and Virgin River have long speculated about a potential crossover of talent, but as Weatherly explained, the pair has yet to work together. “We have never worked together [yet]. So let’s not make that a forever statement,” he clarified. Weatherly hinted that any collaboration might not necessarily involve existing projects. Instead, he suggested that the duo could explore entirely new creative territory together—a tantalizing prospect for fans hungry for innovation from these two seasoned performers.

However, Weatherly drew a firm line when it came to genre, joking about his aversion to horror. “I won’t do horror,” he said with a laugh. “She did American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, and True Blood. But I don’t want anything to do with that. I just feel like I’d be scared.” The actor’s playful honesty sparked curiosity about what type of project might be possible. His answer? Sci-fi. “Sci-fi. We’ll do sci-fi and I’ll go to space,” he quipped, igniting the imaginations of fans who can picture the pair embarking on intergalactic adventures together.

Weatherly’s Return to the NCIS Universe

While speculation swirls about a potential collaboration with Breckenridge, Weatherly is currently focused on his return to the NCIS universe. The actor originally captivated audiences as the charming, witty Tony DiNozzo, a role he held from seasons 1 through 13. Following his departure, he starred in CBS’ Bull from 2016 to 2022 before stepping away from the spotlight for a brief hiatus.

Now, Weatherly is back with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a 10-episode spinoff series that premiered on Thursday, September 4. The show picks up after Tony’s world was upended by Ziva’s supposed death, which led him to leave the NCIS team to raise their daughter, Tali. Years later, Ziva is discovered alive, and the two must navigate one final mission with NCIS before reuniting in Paris.

According to the official synopsis, the series follows Tony and Ziva as they “go on the run across Europe” after Tony’s security company is attacked. The couple must uncover who is targeting them while learning to trust each other again—a journey that could ultimately lead to their unconventional happily ever after.

Breaking Up Tony and Ziva: A Bold Narrative Choice

Weatherly spoke candidly about the spinoff’s unconventional approach, which separates Tony and Ziva before the series even begins. “The show itself is a kind of unreliable narrator,” he teased. “That is why you sort of think they’re together for a second, but then they’re not, but then they might be. Then you’re like, ‘Wait, which timeline am I in?’”

This narrative device adds suspense and complexity to the storyline, keeping fans guessing while deepening the emotional stakes. By starting the series with separation and gradually revealing the circumstances that led to it, NCIS: Tony & Ziva offers a fresh lens on characters that audiences have known and loved for years.

The Emotional Core: Family, Loyalty, and Connection

While action and intrigue drive the plot, Weatherly emphasizes that the heart of both NCIS and any potential collaboration with Breckenridge lies in human connection. His admiration for his niece goes beyond familial pride; it reflects a genuine appreciation for her craft, professionalism, and the warmth she brings to every role. Whether on-screen chemistry or creative partnership, the emotional resonance of their combined talent could be nothing short of extraordinary.

Fans of Virgin River have long admired Breckenridge for her ability to convey complex emotions and carry dramatic storylines with authenticity. Pairing that with Weatherly’s natural charisma, seasoned acting chops, and knack for balancing humor with gravity could create a unique and unforgettable screen dynamic.

A Universe of Possibilities

Weatherly’s openness to collaboration leaves room for fans to dream big. From exploring new genres like sci-fi to imagining entirely original stories outside the realms of NCIS or Virgin River, the possibilities are vast. Even if the collaboration doesn’t materialize immediately, his comments suggest that he views the idea as more than a fleeting thought—it’s a genuine interest that could manifest when the timing and project feel right.

“Personally, I would love that,” he repeated, underscoring his eagerness while respecting the organic process of creative opportunities. It’s a reminder that in Hollywood, as in life, patience and timing often play as critical a role as talent and ambition.

Why Fans Are Excited

The entertainment world thrives on these types of “what if” scenarios, especially when it involves well-loved stars with established chemistry—whether familial or professional. Fans have taken to social media to speculate about the types of stories Weatherly and Breckenridge could tell together, from lighthearted adventures to intense, character-driven dramas.

The idea of combining Weatherly’s action-oriented, procedural expertise with Breckenridge’s emotionally rich performances offers a tantalizing glimpse into a series that could captivate audiences in new ways. It’s the kind of collaboration that feels both fresh and grounded, promising a blend of storytelling strengths from two generations of talent within the same family.

Looking Ahead

As Weatherly navigates his current role in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, audiences are encouraged to stay tuned. While the spinoff explores Tony and Ziva’s perilous journey across Europe, Weatherly’s comments hint that the door to new creative projects—including the tantalizing prospect of working with his niece—remains wide open.

For Breckenridge, whose career continues to flourish with Virgin River and other projects, the potential collaboration is equally exciting. Fans can imagine her emotional depth and range combining with Weatherly’s seasoned versatility, resulting in a story that balances heart, suspense, and cinematic flair.

Conclusion: A Future Collaboration Fans Can Dream About

While nothing is confirmed yet, Michael Weatherly’s candid reflections have ignited hope and imagination among fans. Whether it’s a sci-fi adventure, a dramatic series, or an unexpected crossover, the idea of these two talented actors sharing the screen is irresistible.

For now, fans can enjoy Weatherly’s return to the NCIS universe and Breckenridge’s ongoing success in Virgin River, but the promise of a future collaboration remains a beacon of excitement. As Weatherly wisely noted, sometimes the universe has its own timing—and when the stars align, audiences may finally witness a family partnership that has the potential to be as emotionally resonant and compelling as anything either actor has done before.