Jesse Spencer Ignites Hope for a Matthew Casey Return: “I’d Go Back in a Heartbeat”

Fans of the One Chicago universe have received a major spark of hope regarding the future of Firehouse 51. In a recent heartfelt interview, Jesse Spencer—the actor who spent nearly a decade portraying the steadfast Lieutenant Matthew Casey—has officially confirmed that he is more than willing to return to the Windy City.

The Australian actor, who stepped away from his role as a series regular during Chicago Fire’s tenth season, recently spoke with TVLine about his legacy on the show and his current career path. Despite now leading a new CBS military drama titled Guardian Shift, Spencer made it clear that his bond with the NBC procedural remains unbroken.

“I loved playing Casey. He was such a grounded, principled guy in the middle of all that chaos,” Spencer remarked during the interview. “The cast, the crew, the city of Chicago—it all felt like family. If the right story came along and they wanted me back, I’d go back in a heartbeat. No hesitation.”

A Legacy of Service

Spencer’s departure in 2021 was a pivotal moment for the series. His character, Matthew Casey, chose to leave Chicago for Oregon to foster the sons of his late best friend, Andy Darden. It was an exit that perfectly encapsulated Casey’s heroic and selfless nature, but it left a significant void in the firehouse and in the lives of characters like Sylvie Brett and Kelly Severide.

Since his exit, Spencer has made several guest appearances, including a return for the Season 10 finale to serve as Severide’s best man and a recurring arc in Season 11. However, his latest comments suggest that a more substantial return could be on the horizon if the writers can find the right narrative hook.

New Horizons, Familiar Echoes

Currently, Spencer is starring as Captain Elias “Eli” Harlan in Guardian Shift, where he plays a paramedic-turned-firefighter leading an elite urban rescue team. While the roles share a professional theme, Spencer notes that the characters are distinct. However, he admitted that stepping back into the world of first responders reignited his passion for the genre.

“Both men are protectors at their core,” Spencer explained. “Playing in that world again reminded me how much I enjoy the physicality and the camaraderie of these roles. Chicago Fire gave me that foundation.”

What This Means for Firehouse 51

The timing of Spencer’s comments is particularly interesting as Chicago Fire navigates its 14th season. With the show constantly evolving and introducing new faces, the return of a “Legacy” character like Casey would provide a massive emotional anchor for long-time viewers.

Spencer hinted that he would be open to anything from a major crossover event to a mentorship arc or even a way to “close the loop” with his former on-screen partner, Sylvie Brett. He noted that the show is currently in a “great place” with stars like Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo leading the charge, but he emphasized that “Chicago will always feel like home.”

For the “Chi-Hards” who have missed Casey’s leadership and his iconic presence on the truck, Spencer’s “never say never” attitude is the best news of the season. While no official return has been scheduled yet, the door to Firehouse 51 is clearly wide open, and Jesse Spencer is standing by the handle.