Veteran Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Ice-T has revealed that his screen time as Detective Odafin ‘Fin’ Tutuola has been significantly reduced for the current run, Season 27, a decision he attributes to budgetary restraints and the return of a former cast member, per movieweb.com.
The rapper and actor, who has been a core component of the NBC spin-off for over two decades, confirmed the changes while speaking to TMZ, explaining that the show needed to free up resources to facilitate the comeback of actress Kelli Giddish as Detective Amanda Rollins.
Ice-T, who joined the show in 2000, clarified the situation, emphasising that it was a business decision and not a signal of his departure from the much-loved crime drama.
“It’s just basically business. They brought Kelli back,” he stated. “At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times, as far as budget-wise… They said, ‘Ice, we’ll have you come in and out this year.’”
Giddish, whose character was written off the show in Season 24 after appearing since Season 13, has been a welcome return for many fans. Ice-T confirmed the network’s priority: “Everybody wanted Kelli back. We have new cops.”
Despite Fin only appearing in approximately half of Season 27’s episodes so far, the actor stressed that he is not leaving the series. “I am not leaving the show,” he asserted, adding, “I am more concerned with going to Season 28.”
Ice-T seems content with the decision, noting that the reduced workload offers him time to pursue other projects. He did, however, fail to confirm if his screen time would increase again for a potential Season 28.
“This year, they said, ‘Ice, we’re going to work you a little less.’ Everything was cool with me. I understood. I said, ‘Are you getting rid of me?’ They said, ‘No way. We can’t imagine Law and Order without you.’”
While many viewers have voiced their disappointment over the character’s absence, Ice-T is taking the reaction as a positive sign.
“Don’t worry about me. I am kind of glad the fans are upset. What if I was missing and nobody cared?” he mused. “I will be sprinkled throughout this season.”
The actor took the opportunity to praise the series, expressing his gratitude for the franchise that has employed him for so long, and making it clear that he will not speak negatively about the programme.
“I’ve been on this show for 27 years. I am not going to say anything negative about this show. They have taken care of me for so long. I’m trying to get to Season 28.”
The original Law & Order debuted in 1990 and is now in its 25th season, while Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which premiered in 1999, remains a television powerhouse, alongside its spin-off Law & Order: Organized Crime.
