In addition to their differing personalities, the actor went on to explain that Mark Harmon wasn't thrilled with his playful attitude. Michael Weatherly continued, to The Futon Critic, "He was confused by my presence right from the get-go. When 'CNN Showbiz Today' or one of those shows asked what the best part about doing the pilot was during the upfronts, I said, 'I got a rubber gun and I got a fake badge.' And Harmon looked at me like, 'That is your CNN answer?'"
Weatherly's comments at the time might have sealed his fate of not returning as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on "NCIS." Although the interview was conducted in 2007, it has resurfaced in recent years and the producers weren't pleased. "Mark's a legend and people don't take kindly to Michael talking junk about him. Michael comes off as an immature a — and jealous, too," a source informed Radar Online. Weatherly was reportedly eager to come back, especially following the end of his own CBS series, "Bull."
Despite these claims, TV executives were apparently open to having him back. In May 2023, Radar Online published another article stating that negotiations were underway for Weatherly's return to the show. While the producers were eager for him to reprise his role, there's still some hesitation regarding Weatherly's demands. The actor was reportedly insistent on bringing back Cote de Pablo, who portrayed his on-screen love interest, Ziva David, as well as his on-screen father, Robert Wagner.
