After more than a decade of chasing high-stakes cases on the West Coast, Special Agent Sam Hanna is trading the beaches of Los Angeles for the gritty streets of the Big Apple. For LL Cool J, stepping into this newest chapter of the NCIS universe is far more than just a change of scenery—it marks a deeply personal homecoming for the hip-hop legend and veteran actor.
Speaking exclusively at the NCIS: New York premiere event hosted at the Intrepid Museum on Thursday, October 1, the 55-year-old native New Yorker opened up about what it truly feels like to bring his iconic character back to the city where his own life journey began.
A Hero’s Return to the Empire State
LL Cool J first introduced audiences to Sam Hanna back in 2009 on NCIS: Los Angeles, anchoring the hit procedural for 14 seasons before the series concluded. Now, reviving the former Navy SEAL in NCIS: New York feels like a profound milestone both on and off the screen.
Reflecting on the move, the actor described the transition as a classic narrative arc coming to fruition. “It’s like Joseph Campbell. It’s like the hero’s journey or something. I return home to teach, you know what I mean? In a good way,” he shared. “It’s new. It’s fresh. It’s a full circle moment, you know? It shows you that anything is possible. And it also reminds you, never forget where you came from.”
The Raw Energy of Shooting in New York
While the West Coast backdrop defined Sam Hanna’s early operational years, filming in New York City brings a completely different pulse to the franchise. LL Cool J noted that the shift in atmosphere is palpable the moment cameras start rolling, offering an authenticity that sets it apart from traditional Hollywood productions.
“I love how it feels to shoot in New York,” he admitted. “Filming in New York is incredible. It’s not Hollywood.”
The actor highlighted how the unpredictable nature and immediate pace of the city naturally filter into the series, giving the procedural a distinct, grounded edge. “In New York, it’s still new and fresh and it’s just a different vibe,” he explained. “I mean, it’s a whole different energy.”
New York City Takes Center Stage as a Main Character
That raw, electric vibe is so central to the new series that LL Cool J considers the metropolis itself to be a fundamental member of the team. Alongside a star-studded cast that includes Scott Caan and Jennifer Beals, the city’s presence looms large over every investigation.
“New York is like a main character in the show,” he emphasized. “I mean, you know, you have myself, Scott [Caan], Jennifer [Beals], and the rest of the team, but New York is the star, baby.”
As a born-and-bred New Yorker, LL Cool J takes personal pride in ensuring the show reflects the true spirit of his hometown. When asked if the series accurately captures the city’s unique identity, he expressed absolute confidence in how the production captures its heartbeat.
“We are, I believe we are truly bottling the energy of New York or [a] better word is channeling, because you can’t bottle it,” he said. “But we’re channeling New York for real.”
With Sam Hanna adapting to a whole new territory alongside a fresh team of agents, viewers won’t have to wait long to see how the city’s relentless energy shapes the veteran agent’s next chapter as NCIS: New York makes its series debut.
