NCIS star Wilmer Valderrama addressed fan speculation regarding a potential guest appearance by Stana Katic following the former Castle actress’s recent visit to the production set. Valderrama clarified the situation during an interview with TV Insider on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, noting their long-standing personal friendship.
Katic, who portrayed Kate Beckett on ABC for eight seasons, sparked rumors of a crossover after appearing on the set of the long-running CBS procedural in March. The visit follows a precedent of Castle alumni appearing on the show, as Seamus Dever recently recurred during the 22nd season.
Valderrama noted that he and Katic have frequently discussed the possibility of a professional collaboration throughout their multi-year friendship.
“Stana and I have been pals. We’ve known each other for many years, and we’ve always chatted about working together. We always talk about it. We’re like, we got to figure out something together because I think she’s such a strong, bada** actress, and I just think creating something with her would be really fun. So we’re always in conversations and figuring out what that looks like, where and what, you know?” shared Wilmer Valderrama, the actor behind Nick Torres.
The actor revealed that the visit was an informal arrangement initiated by Katic to catch up with former colleagues. Her presence reportedly caused a stir among the production staff who were surprised by the high-profile guest.
“She just hit me one day. She goes, ‘I’d love to come and visit you guys. I haven’t seen you in a long time.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, come.’ So she came to visit the set, which you could have assumed that as soon as she entered the set, the crew, the writers, the directors, everyone was like, ‘What? What’s happening? Why is she here?'” Valderrama said.
Valderrama emphasized his close bond with both Katic and her husband, Kris Brkljač, whom he described as a brother. Despite the excitement surrounding her appearance, the actor maintained there is no current news regarding a scripted role for Katic on the series.
“Her coming up, I knew it was going to steer some things, but I have nothing to report on that yet,” Valderrama admitted.
