'9-1-1: Nashville's Chris O'Donnell Teases When the '9-1-1' Spin-Off Starts Filming

The stage is all set for the arrival of a brand-new 9-1-1 spin-off in 9-1-1: Nashville, which takes the first-responder action to the country music capital. NCIS: LA star Chris O'Donnell will lead the series as Don Sharpe, described as “a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse with his beloved son.” The show has already been scheduled to premiere on ABC as part of the next TV season, and will air on Thursdays right after the flagship series, taking a spot that previously belonged to another Ryan Murphy-created series, Doctor Odyssey. O'Donnell recently teased the new project, revealing when filming is scheduled to begin.

O'Donnell shared the latest update while attending the blue carpet event for the Disney Upfront presentation. In a quick chat with TV Line's Matt Webb Mitovich, the actor revealed that filming for the project was yet to begin but is scheduled to start in June. "We're getting excited to head to Nashville," he said. Asked about his relationship with Nashville, he admitted, "It's very limited, very limited," adding, "I've driven through it a few times. I actually have a lot of friends there, shockingly. I just don't go visit them very often, but I'm excited just to have the culture, the music, the whole town. I've had a lot of friends move from Los Angeles to Tennessee just to get out of L.A. So, this is a good reason to go. So all the fires kind of blew up our neighborhood. It's not the worst time either, I'm excited for it."

Captain Don Sharpe Will Be Different From Chris O'Donnell's 'NCIS: LA' Character

Pressed for more details about the series, O'Donnell was hesitant to divulge more, unsure of how much he was allowed to reveal, only stating what's already been made official about the series: "Well, he's married, he's got a son, also works for the fire station. Uhhmm, I don't know how much I'm supposed to say to be honest with you." When asked about the character's difference from his NCIS: LA character G. Callen, he said, "Oh, Yeah, I think he's a lot more different. Callen was a lot more in his shell," before holding back again from sharing more, concluding with a coy "I don't know what they're telling about this show, but then it's... I'm excited to play a different character. I loved playing Callen for 14 years, and it was a great family, and I'm looking forward for a new family on Nashville, be on ABC for a while.

While O'Donnell's knowledge of the music capital might be limited, it wouldn't pose much of an inhibition to his handling of the character, as 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear previously detailed several reasons why O'Donnell suits the role, highlighting his range and impressive track record. "I think he actually fits into this franchise in an interesting way, and I think it’ll be fun for him, too, because he was so great on NCIS: LA," said Minear.

With filming to begin this summer, 9-1-1: Nashville is gearing up to make its fall premiere a possibility. As always, stay tuned for future updates.