Original CSI Star Marg Helgenberger In Talks For Return In Vegas Season 2
Original CSI star Marg Helgenberger is in talks to return to the franchise for CSI: Vegas season 2. Helgenberger previously played Catherine Willows for the first twelve seasons of the original CSI's run, returning for the show's finale in 2015. Most recently she's played the role of Judge Lisa Benner on the CBS legal drama, All Rise.
Initially billed as an epilogue to the base series, CSI: Vegas follows longtime CSI characters Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and Gil Grissom (William Peterson) as they investigate a conspiracy in the Las Vegas crime lab that could result in the release of many convicted killers. Both Fox and Peterson have declined to return for the second season, citing the end of their character's arcs and wanting to move on to other projects. It's their duel departures that likely inspired the producers to seek out an old cast member such as Helgenberger to fill the void.
Related: CSI: Vegas Cutting Gil/Sara Kiss Was A Mistake
TVLine reports that negotiations between the network and Helgenberger are underway, though in what, if any, capacity Helgenberger will appear in the new season is currently unknown, whether she'll be a regular or a guest star. The news comes less than two weeks after Fox's announced departure, with Peterson announcing his departure the month before. It's also unknown if Helgenberger's role on All Rise will be affected by the return.
As well as Fox and Peterson, The Last Man on Earth star Mel Rodriguez is also not returning for CSI: Vegas season 2, having not publicly given a reason. The remaining lead cast members include Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, and Mandeep Dhillon. The second season is expected to start filming in the summer, as was the case with the first season, if casting delays
Read more on screenrant.com
