LL Cool J Returning to ‘NCIS’ Season 22: ‘Again on Set’

LL Cool J is making his NCIS return!

On Thursday, March 20, the Grammy Award-winning artist and actor, 57, shared a joint Instagram publish with NCIS to announce a particular shock. 

The clip started with a blurred picture, because the phrases “Guess who’s again” appeared.

A hand wiped away the clouded display screen, revealing the “Mama Stated Knock You Out” rapper on the opposite aspect. 

“That’s higher,” LL Cool J mentioned. “Again on set, child! NCIS. Let’s get it.”

After his fast cameo ended, one other message adopted, letting followers know the “Luv U Higher” artist, born James Todd Smith, could be returning to the sequence as Sam Hanna on April 21.

“Like no time has handed,” the publish was captioned.

In a March 4 interview with TV Insider, Brian Dietzen, who has performed the supporting position of Dr. Jimmy Palmer on NCIS since 2004, informed the outlet {that a} massive reveal was on the best way. 

“There are,” he mentioned of characters returning to the long-running drama sequence that’s led to a number of metropolis spinoffs. 

“In truth, I simply labored with one, and I’m not allowed to let you know, however I’ll let you know it’s somebody from NCIS‘s previous, and it’s going to be incredible, and I feel persons are actually going to lose their s—,” Dietzen, 47, mentioned earlier this month.

Forward of NCIS: Hawai’i’s season 3 cancellation announcement in April 2024, LL Cool J spoke solely to PEOPLE earlier than his sequence debut, including that returning to the franchise in Hawai’i felt like “good power” and “good vibes.”

“It simply felt proper to me. It felt like, ‘You already know what? Let’s have some enjoyable. Let’s do that,’ ” the “Paradise” rapper informed PEOPLE.

“The story positively wasn’t over in any respect, that is for positive,” he added of his character’s NCIS journey. “We’re discovering out extra about Sam, however keep in mind, it is a totally different factor as a result of Sam was transferred right here.”

By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free every day publication to remain up-to-date on the perfect of what PEOPLE has to supply​​, from celeb information to driving human curiosity tales.

The Deep Blue Sea alum starred in NCIS: Hawai’i reverse sequence lead Vanessa Lachey.

“I feel it is good power,” LL Cool J informed PEOPLE of his costar. “She’s lots of enjoyable. I am actually pleased for her, pleased for the success that she’s having fun with with the present, and I stay up for making my contribution within the episodes that I seem and simply hopefully making the present that rather more pleasing.”

NCIS resumes Season 22 on Monday, March 24.