Actress Michael Michele, one of the main cast members of the series, has left the project, sources report. CIA, starring Tom Ellis (Lucifer) and Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med), went into production in September for a mid-season television release. Rumors are circulating that Michele's role may be recast, but this has not been confirmed yet.
Michael Michele
This departure marks the second major change within the crime drama, which was ordered straight to series in April. Earlier in the summer, there was already a change of showrunner.
The series CIA revolves around two unlikely partners: a fast-paced, rule-breaking CIA officer (Ellis) and an experienced, dutiful FBI agent (Gehlfuss) who strictly adheres to the law. When this duo is assigned to the CIA headquarters in New York, they must learn to work together to investigate crimes and threats on American soil. Ultimately, they discover that their conflicting methods might be their greatest strength.
Michele played the chief of the CIA New York Station. Other regular roles include Natalee Linez, who portrays a CIA analyst.
The series was originally scheduled for a release in the fall of 2025 but was moved to mid-season in July due to the showrunner change. Warren Leight (known for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and In Treatment) took over from David Hudgins, former showrunner of FBI: Most Wanted.
Michael Michele has a long history with executive producer Dick Wolf: her first acting role was a recurring role in the first season of New York Undercover. Recently, she had a recurring role opposite Queen Latifah in the CBS crime drama The Equalizer.