5 Shocking Ways LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna Has Returned To The NCIS Universe

The future of Special Agent Sam Hanna was one of the biggest questions in the NCIS universe after the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2023. Fans were left wondering if the beloved character, played by hip-hop legend and actor LL Cool J, would ever reappear. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the answer is a resounding yes, with LL Cool J’s presence not just continuing, but expanding across the entire franchise in surprising and significant ways, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the NCIS world.

This article dives into the latest, most current information on James Todd Smith's role, from his recurring status on NCIS: Hawaiʻi to a major guest spot on the flagship show, confirming that Sam Hanna is far from retired. The seamless integration of his character has proven that the NCIS franchise is committed to maintaining its deep topical authority and interconnected narrative across all its spin-offs.

The Undisputed Profile of James Todd Smith (LL Cool J)

James Todd Smith, universally known by his stage name LL Cool J (an acronym for "Ladies Love Cool James"), is a multi-talented American artist whose career spans music, film, and television. His transition from a Grammy-winning rapper to a long-running dramatic actor is one of the most successful in entertainment history.

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• Born: January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York.
• Stage Name Origin: Ladies Love Cool James.
• Music Career Highlights: Two-time Grammy Award winner, one of the first successful rap artists, and the first rapper to be honored at the Kennedy Center. Key albums include Radio, Bigger and Deffer, and Mama Said Knock You Out.
• Early Acting Roles: Appeared in films like Deep Blue Sea and had a regular television role as Marion Hill on the sitcom In the House (1995–1999).
• NCIS Franchise Role: Special Agent Sam Hanna, a former Navy SEAL and partner to G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell). He starred on NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009 to 2023.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Smith is also an entrepreneur and a producer, notably co-producing the reality dance competition Come Dance With Me alongside his NCIS co-star, Chris O'Donnell.

1. The Shocking Transition to NCIS: Hawaiʻi as a Recurring Star

The biggest and freshest update on LL Cool J’s character is his immediate and seamless move to the world of NCIS: Hawaiʻi. Following the end of NCIS: Los Angeles, the franchise wasted no time in relocating Agent Sam Hanna to the Aloha State.

The Surprise Season 2 Finale Cameo

Sam Hanna's return was first teased in a surprise cameo during the NCIS: Hawaiʻi Season 2 finale. This appearance established a direct connection between the two spin-offs, a crucial move for the franchise’s interconnected universe. Hanna showed up to offer assistance to NCIS Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) before she departed for a mission in Venezuela.

Recurring Role Status in Season 3

It was quickly confirmed that LL Cool J would not just be a one-off guest. He officially joined the NCIS: Hawaiʻi Season 3 cast as a recurring guest star. This means Sam Hanna is now a regular fixture in the Honolulu Office of Special Projects, working closely with the team led by Tennant. This new dynamic allows the franchise to retain one of its most popular characters and inject his veteran experience into the newer, high-stakes environment of the island team.

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2. The Major Role in the NCIS Mothership Crossover

While his move to Hawaiʻi was expected after his cameo, a second major development confirmed his permanent place in the NCIS universe: a guest-starring role on the original NCIS series.

A Pivotal Season 22 Appearance

In April 2024, LL Cool J reprised his role as Sam Hanna on the flagship NCIS show during Season 22. This was a significant moment for fans, as it was his first appearance on the mothership series since the NCIS: LA finale. The episode confirmed that Hanna is taking on a new, pivotal role within the franchise, suggesting his work is now less confined to a single team and more focused on broader, high-level operations.

3. Dropping Major Updates on Callen and Hetty

One of the most satisfying aspects of Sam Hanna’s return was the inclusion of essential updates on his former teammates from *NCIS: Los Angeles*. The guest spot on the main NCIS show provided fans with closure and continuity regarding the fates of other beloved characters.

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G. Callen’s Status

During his appearance, Hanna provided major updates on his long-time partner, Special Agent G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell). This small but important detail confirmed that the legendary “bromance” between the two agents is still strong, and that Callen is continuing his new chapter following the *NCIS: LA* finale. The enduring partnership of Callen and Hanna remains a fan favorite, even as they pursue separate missions.

Hetty Lange’s Future

Hanna also provided information on the enigmatic Operations Manager, Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt). These updates are crucial for maintaining the franchise’s deep lore and topical authority, assuring long-time viewers that the original *NCIS: LA* team's stories are still relevant and ongoing, even after their show's conclusion.

4. Solidifying the Interconnected NCIS Franchise

LL Cool J’s recurring status on NCIS: Hawaiʻi and his crossover to the original series are not just fan service; they are a strategic move to solidify the entire NCIS universe. This multi-show presence establishes a precedent for characters to move freely between the various spin-offs, including the upcoming prequel, NCIS: Origins, and the established NCIS: Sydney.

This approach strengthens the sense of a single, cohesive world, reinforcing the idea that the agents are all part of one larger, global NCIS organization. The executive producers have consistently teased that LL Cool J, like other franchise alumni, will "always have a place" in the expanding NCIS-verse, a clear signal that Sam Hanna’s tenure is far from over.

5. The Legacy of Sam Hanna: From Navy SEAL to Franchise Anchor

The character of Sam Hanna, a former Navy SEAL and a highly skilled agent, has become an anchor for the entire franchise. His journey, which began with the backdoor pilot of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009, is now the bridge connecting the original show to its newest iteration in Hawaiʻi.

This sustained presence ensures that the core themes of the NCIS universe—military justice, loyalty, and elite special operations—remain front and center. LL Cool J’s performance has successfully transitioned Sam Hanna from a regional Los Angeles agent to a veteran operative whose expertise is invaluable across the entire Pacific theater, making him an essential entity in the future of the NCIS world. The continued integration of James Todd Smith's character is a testament to the enduring power and popularity of the Sam Hanna legacy.