Jay Ellis, the star of the proposed spin-off series The Rookie: North, recently discussed the project and its potential to crossover with Nathan Fillion‘s main series. Notably, the spin-off originally went into development in 2024. In November 2025, it was reported that the show had received a pilot order at ABC and that Ellis had joined the cast as the lead.
Jay Ellis talks about The Rookie: North and crossover with main show
During an interview with Deadline, Ellis spoke about The Rookie: North and potentially working with Nathan Fillion in a crossover with the original show. He revealed that it’s an idea that is under consideration, but first, they must get a series order. He added, “But I would love to.”
The above-mentioned outlet reports that ABC hasn’t yet decided on the show and speculates that the network hasn’t seen the pilot, while revealing Ellis was heading for the final mixing on the project after attending the event where the interview took place. The Running Point star heaped praise on the pilot, stating that he had seen it “twice” and that he thought it was “great.”
Ellis also expressed admiration for the pilot’s cast, which includes Janet Montgomery, Chris Sullivan, Karen Fukuhara, Froy Gutierrez, Mya Lowe, and Malik Watson. He elaborated, “It just feels like an ensemble that you want to sit and grab a beer with or hang out, go to a music festival with, listen to Karol G and Justin Bieber all weekend.”
The Top Gun: Maverick star said that he believes that fans of The Rookie will “love” the spin-off before underscoring that he wouldn’t become “competitive” with Fillion.
In the same interview, Ellis said he initially had reservations about the project because he had not done any broadcast work before. He ultimately read the script and thought it was “a lot of fun.” Ellis later had dinner with series creator Alexi Hawley. “He won me over,” the actor recalled.
The Rookie: North takes place in Washington state and revolves around Alex Holland, played by Ellis, who joins the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie after a violent home invasion incident.
