For years, NCIS fans have speculated about the real reason behind Michael Weatherly’s unexpected departure from the show and the lingering possibility of his return as Tony DiNozzo. While the actor gave vague responses in interviews and social media posts, he remained tight-lipped—until now. In a recent candid interview, Weatherly finally confirmed what fans had long suspected: his exit wasn’t just about “exploring new opportunities”—it was about burnout, personal growth, and the need to reconnect with life outside of the intense TV spotlight.

Weatherly revealed that after playing DiNozzo for 13 seasons, he felt emotionally and physically drained. “Tony was a huge part of my life, and I loved every second,” he shared. “But there came a point where I didn’t know who I was outside of that character.” He admitted that juggling the demanding shooting schedule and the pressure of maintaining a leading role took a toll on his mental well-being and family life.

But here’s the twist that fans were hoping for: Weatherly didn’t rule out a return. In fact, he teased that conversations have taken place behind the scenes about Tony DiNozzo possibly reappearing in the NCIS universe—especially with Ziva David back in play. “The door is open,” he said with a smile. “I never stopped loving that world—and who knows what the future holds?