Were you missing the original Apollo Creed on your screens when blockbuster hit Creed was in theaters this past year? Don’t be too upset, because you’ll be seeing him sooner than expected. Rocky veteran Carl Weathers is set to lead the cast of the latest addition to Dick Wolf’s Chicago franchise, Chicago Justice.
Last night at PaleyFest’s Salute to Dick Wolf, the man of the hour himself announced that he had found his leading man for the backdoor pilot. Furthermore, he revealed that the backdoor episode to Chicago Justice, which will reportedly take place on Chicago PD, will begin filming next week. Weathers will lead the growing cast as Chicago State’s Attorney Mark Jefferies. Wolf described him as “quite an amazing presence” to add to the next show in his #OneChicago franchise. He joins already announced cast members Philip Winchester, Nazneen Contractor, and Joelle Carter.
Weathers is most recognizable for his role in the Rocky films as the rival of that franchise’s titular boxer. That’s not to say he doesn’t have extensive experience with television. His past TV credits include 90’s shows Tour of Duty, Street Justice, In the Heat of the Night, and most recently, a run on USA’s Colony.
Granted, this may just be the casting for a backdoor pilot, and so many things change from initial pilots to full-order production; but considering how Chicago PD and Chicago Med worked out, we probably wouldn’t be premature in thinking we’ll be seeing Chicago Justice on NBC come next fall. Then at least maybe we could get a Rocky shoutout by having Weathers’s character hang out at Chicago PD‘s Detective Dawson’s boxing gym!
Do you approve of Dick Wolf’s new leading man? Stay tuned to the #OneChicago franchise to see Weathers soon.
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