Magnum X NCIS: A Unique Connection in the Upcoming Spinoff
In the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, fans will be reunited with fan-favorite special agents, including Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo. After his surprise return in the Ducky tribute episode, Tony is set to come back in full force. Interestingly, Weatherly revealed that Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. played a significant role in shaping Tony’s character, and it’s exciting to see that influence in the new series.
While rewatching an episode of NCIS with Cote de Pablo for their podcast, Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, the two discussed a scene where Tony gets excited about discovering an authentic Magnum P.I. Hawaiian shirt. Weatherly explained just how important Magnum is to Tony, saying:
“Tony’s enthusiasm for pop culture, especially shows produced by Donald P. Bellisario in the ’80s, is key. The connection to Magnum P.I. is vital because it’s about an overgrown kid who has all these passions, wears his Hawaiian shirt, and gets excited about his Ferrari. He lives on Robin Masters’ estate in Hawaii and has his buddies—he’s almost like a teenager in a sense.”
Both NCIS and the original Magnum P.I. were created by Donald Bellisario, which explains the frequent references to the show and other Bellisario projects within NCIS. Weatherly noted the similarities between the two characters, not just in their youthful energy but also in their deeper struggles:
“Magnum has a youthful spirit but also carries PTSD from his time as a Vietnam War veteran. He’s lost people close to him, which adds depth. DiNozzo, as a kid, watched Magnum P.I. in a different way. With a mother who died and an absent father, Magnum represents a sense of safety for him.”
For Tony, the excitement over the details—like the buttons made from a specific palm frond—reflects a meaningful connection to his childhood. This emotional tie adds richness to his character, making those moments resonate deeply.
As NCIS: Tony and Ziva approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how these influences play out in Tony’s journey.
