Caitlin Todd’s tragic death in the Season 2 finale of NCIS paved the way for Ziva David to join the team, stepping in after she confronted and killed her half-brother, the recurring villain Ari Haswari. Cote de Pablo portrayed Ziva for eight memorable seasons on the beloved CBS series, where her chemistry with Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo created an unforgettable ‘will they, won’t they’ storyline. Now, after more than ten years, fans are thrilled to see these two characters reunited in the upcoming spinoff, NCIS : Tony & Ziva. However, their connection goes beyond just being co-stars in a Paramount+ exclusive series. In recent podcast Cote de Pablo has expressed that Michael Weatherly has been her “greatest asset” during the production of Tony & Ziva, which only heightens the excitement of their on-screen reunion.
Cote De Pablo Reveals Why Michael Weatherly Is Her Greatest Asset While Working on NCIS
Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly co-host the podcast Off Duty : An NCIS Rewatch, and in a recent episode featuring Rocky Carroll, who plays Leon Vance, the actress shared that friends often inquire about her feelings on revisiting the NCIS universe. She enthusiastically responded that it’s “going to be so much fun” as she has the opportunity to delve back into a character she holds dear.
According to Cote de Pablo, “I remember saying one thing, which I really, truly mean. I said, ‘Look, I may have good days, I may have bad days but I have Michael.’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, but you worked with him for like eight years.’ And I said, ‘Yes, but we’ve grown up and we’re older and we have a different appreciation of life and the world and the work itself.’ And I said, ‘I have Michael, and that, to me, is my greatest asset.”
Cote de Pablo’s return as Ziva in the upcoming spinoff marks an exciting reunion, but it’s not her first time stepping back into the role since her early departure from NCIS in Season 11. She made memorable appearances in the Season 16 finale and several episodes of Season 17. Similarly, Michael Weatherly, who left the main cast after Season 13, made a special cameo as Tony in Season 21 to honor the late David McCallum. This spinoff represents a significant moment, as it reunites Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly to collaborate once again, reminiscent of their dynamic chemistry during their time on the main NCIS cast.
Significant changes have occurred since that time, and while there is a sense of familiarity in seeing Tony and Ziva together again, they approach this project with fresh personal and professional viewpoints. This dynamic allows de Pablo to feel at ease seeking support from Weatherly and discussing any challenges she faces, which is truly heartening. Their strong relationship is a valuable asset as they navigate this journey together.
As per Cote de Pablo, “But in a way, I do feel that like if I’m having a delicate day or if I’m feeling overwhelmed about something or whatever. I don’t mean to say I’m just going to put it on Michael, but I do feel that I could come up to you and say like, ‘Hey, man, I’m having one of those days.’ Before, maybe I wouldn’t talk about it because maybe you would just, ‘Hey, put on the face and just pretend like nothing’s happening and just soldier on.’ Now I feel like I could approach that differently and I could just say, ‘Hey, I’m having this and just allow it to kind of be’.”
Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo have been filming NCIS : Tony & Ziva in Budapest since June, and Michael Weatherly recently posted a photo on social media featuring himself and showrunner John McNamara alongside some camels on set. This exciting spinoff will depict Tony and Ziva as they are compelled to flee across Europe following an attack on Tony’s security firm. Joining Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are a talented cast that includes Isla Gie, Amita Suman, Maximilian Osinski, Nassima Benchicou, Julian Ovenden, Terence Maynard, Lara Rossi, and James D’Arcy.
While NCIS : Tony & Ziva does not yet have a confirmed release date, it is anticipated to debut on Paramount+ sometime in 2025. In the meantime, fans can look forward to their favourite NCIS characters and vote for them in our special poll below.