NCIS fans are about to see Special Agent Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) in a different kind of light in tonight’s new episode. But while folks have been patiently waiting for the CBS drama to return, Wilmer has been busy making big moves off screen.
On February 22, the 42-year-old actor posted an Instagram Reel showing himself carefully placing a black decal on a mirror in a gym. Set to J Balvin and Rosalía’s song “Brillo” (which translates to “Bright” in English), Wilmer takes his time peeling off the decal’s backing revealing it’s the silhouette of Zorro. As fans may know, the Miami native announced back in December that he will be portraying Don Diego de la Vega and his alter ego in the upcoming Disney TV series Zorro. According to the NCIS star, who has portrayed a special agent since 2016, he has started to whip himself into shape for the role.
“Thanks to @seaweanie, I have new inspiration in the gym.. as I begin my next chapter training,” he captioned his Instagram post.
After seeing the full reveal of Zorro in his signature mask and cape on a horse, Wilmer’s fans immediately rushed to the comments section to celebrate his new gig. Amid the heart emojis, fire emojis and clapping hands emojis, many left heartfelt messages.
“Wow!!! I can’t wait to watch you as Zorro ❤️❤️,” one person wrote. “I am so hype for this!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥,” another added. “Sir, as a fan of Zorro since the 50s PLEASE do this justice 👏👏👏,” a different fan said. Wilmer wrote back, “As a fan from childhood, I promise it’s in the best hands. I wouldn’t trust anyone but me to play him.”
According to Deadline, Wilmer will be working in front of the camera as well as behind as an executive producer. He’ll be following in the steps of actors Antonio Banderas and Sir Anthony Hopkins who previously played the iconic horseman.
In a statement, Wilmer expressed what it meant for him to star in the modern iteration: “Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero.
As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility for the stories that I help bring to life. To partner with Gary and Disney to bring Zorro back into the family after 60 years, and be a part of the legacy for other children to know they too can be the heroes of their own stories, is a dream come true.”
For NCIS fans wondering if Wilmer has plans to leave the show, we’re not sure. But as of right now, no timeline has been shared for when Zorro might be released, so he could be able to split his time between the two projects. Per Wilmer’s IMDB, Zorro is currently in pre-production, which means the cameras haven’t started rolling yet.