For more than two decades, Michael Weatherly has been a household name in primetime television. From his beloved run as Tony DiNozzo on NCIS to his lead role on Bull, the actor has proven he can anchor both ensemble dramas and character-driven procedurals. Now, as he makes his much-anticipated return to the NCIS universe in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, Weatherly is opening up about another dream project—sharing the screen with his niece, actress Alexandra Breckenridge.

But before fans of Netflix’s Virgin River get too excited, Weatherly has one caveat: don’t expect their collaboration to happen in Mel Monroe’s small town.

Family Ties, Hollywood Dreams

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Weatherly, 57, gushed about his niece’s talent and the life she’s built with husband Casey Hooper and their children.

“Personally I would love that. I love Alex so much. She is an amazing human and niece,” Weatherly said. “Gosh, I always wait for the universe to do what it’s gonna do. I try not to push too hard.”

Though the two have never acted together, Weatherly made it clear that the door isn’t closed. “We have never worked together [yet]. So let’s not make that a forever statement,” he teased.

Why Not Virgin River?

Breckenridge, 43, has found major success on Netflix as the lead in Virgin River, a warm-hearted small-town romance now heading into its seventh season. While fans might picture Weatherly sliding into town as a new doctor, sheriff, or rugged newcomer, he has other ideas.

“I won’t do horror,” he joked, noting Breckenridge’s past roles in American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, and True Blood. “But I just feel like I’d be scared.”

Instead, Weatherly suggested a new path: “Sci-fi. We’ll do sci-fi and I’ll go to space.”

It’s a left-field pitch, but one that fans of both actors could easily get behind. After all, Breckenridge has proven her versatility across genres, while Weatherly’s charisma and sharp timing could ground any otherworldly setting.

Weatherly’s Big Return

For now, Weatherly’s focus is firmly on the latest addition to the NCIS franchise: NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Premiering September 4 on Paramount+, the 10-episode series reunites Weatherly with Cote de Pablo, reigniting one of television’s most iconic partnerships.

The spinoff picks up after years of uncertainty: Tony left NCIS to raise his and Ziva’s daughter, Tali, after Ziva was presumed dead. When Ziva turned out to be alive, the couple reunited in Paris—only to face fresh danger when Tony’s security company is attacked. Forced to go on the run across Europe, Tony and Ziva must protect their daughter while grappling with their complicated history.

“The show itself is a kind of unreliable narrator,” Weatherly explained. “That is why you sort of think they’re together for a second, but then they’re not, but then they might be. Then you’re like, ‘Wait, which timeline am I in?’”

A Future Collaboration on the Horizon?

As Weatherly dives back into Tony DiNozzo’s world, Breckenridge is preparing to return as Mel Monroe in Virgin River Season 7. While the pair may be busy in different corners of the television landscape, fans can’t help but imagine what could happen if their paths cross onscreen.

Whether it’s the grounded intimacy of a family drama, the charm of a romantic comedy, or the high-concept adventure of a sci-fi epic, one thing is clear: the idea of Weatherly and Breckenridge finally acting together is a Hollywood dream waiting to be realized.

Until then, audiences will have to settle for enjoying their individual projects—knowing that somewhere down the line, the uncle-niece duo may yet surprise them.