The recent revival of the beloved characters Tony and Ziva in the Paramount+ series NCIS: Tony & Ziva has sparked discussions about intimacy coordinators in Hollywood. Despite the romantic nature of the show, actors Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo opted not to employ an intimacy coordinator during filming, a decision that reflects their long-standing professional relationship and mutual trust.
The series, which aired its first season in 2025, features Weatherly and de Pablo reprising their roles from the original NCIS. Although the show was cancelled after one season, it included several steamy scenes that raised questions about the absence of an intimacy coordinator, a role increasingly embraced in the industry to ensure actors’ comfort during intimate scenes.
During a junket for the series, de Pablo explained their reasoning. She acknowledged the growing use of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood, stating, “We had the chance to use an intimacy coordinator, and I understand why people do it and I completely respect it.” However, she emphasized that her long-standing friendship with Weatherly, which spans two decades, allowed them to navigate these scenes without external assistance.
Creative Collaboration on Set
De Pablo detailed how she and Weatherly collaborated closely with the director and writers to ensure the scenes were both effective and comfortable. “It wasn’t like we were just sort of free flowing. The director wanted something, the writer had something very specific in mind,” she noted. They worked together to create intimate moments that conveyed romance while maintaining professionalism.
The actors’ familiarity with each other from the original series contributed to their confidence in handling intimate scenes. De Pablo remarked, “Of course, I feel having maybe another person there for Michael and I wasn’t necessary. I think we trusted each other enough.” She described the scenes as an “organic exploration of romance,” full of anticipation and nostalgia.
The series featured flashbacks that explored the romantic history between Tony and Ziva, culminating in a storyline where they nearly married. De Pablo expressed satisfaction with how their decision to forgo an intimacy coordinator played out on screen, stating, “It captured the flirtiness. It captured the innocence.”
Future Possibilities for Fan-Favorite Characters
Despite the cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, fans continue to express their desire to see the beloved characters return in some capacity. De Pablo shared her hope that Tony, Ziva, and their daughter Tali could reappear in future NCIS projects. “It’s just a shame we won’t get to see them front and center in the NCIS-verse again,” she said, maintaining optimism for a possible comeback in the future.
As the other NCIS series, including NCIS: Sydney, resume their seasons, discussions around the importance of intimacy coordinators remain a hot topic in Hollywood. The industry continues to evolve, balancing artistic expression with the comfort and safety of its performers.
This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness and sensitivity in film and television production, setting a precedent for future projects. The impact of such changes on storytelling and actor dynamics will be closely observed as the industry adapts to new norms.
