Show summary Hide summary
Fans were caught off guard when Zach Gilford quietly exited Criminal Minds, but the actor hints he isn’t ready to close the book on Elias Voit. In exclusive comments, Gilford teases a possible spinoff and reflects on playing one of his most challenging roles.
Gilford teases a standalone show for Elias Voit — but rights are tangled
Zach Gilford revealed he and showrunner Erica Messer once discussed building a separate series around Elias Voit. He called the idea exciting and creatively rich.
Jen Hamilton keeps her last name after ex’s double life with 56-year-old woman
Emmy Rossum on Furious: won’t show graphic abuse scenes, says nothing is gratuitous — exclusive
Yet turning that dream into reality faces a major hurdle. The original show’s ownership involves multiple companies, which complicates any attempt to spin the character off.
Key obstacles to a Voit spinoff
- Co-ownership of rights between big studios
- Negotiating approval from multiple executives
- Aligning schedules and budgets across companies
Gilford was candid about the challenge: convincing two studios to collaborate is difficult. Still, he encouraged fans to rally support, joking about starting an online movement to push the idea forward.
Could Elias Voit return to Criminal Minds?
The season finale left room for Voit to reappear. Gilford did not rule out a comeback, but he was clear he is not currently on set for season 20 of Criminal Minds: Evolution.
After four seasons playing a character who shifted from villain to reluctant ally, Gilford said the role gave him rare opportunities. Each year offered a different angle on Voit’s psychology and evolution.
The emotional reality of wrapping a difficult role
Gilford admitted saying goodbye was tougher than he expected. He spoke about the mix of gratitude and awkwardness that follows finishing a long-running arc.
He described quietly leaving the final day of production, unable to fully express goodbyes. His exit was personal and low-key, reflecting how invested he was in the character’s journey.
What Gilford has been doing since Voit
Even after leaving Criminal Minds, Gilford has stayed active professionally while finding downtime with family.
- Spent meaningful time with his children
- Starred in a holiday romantic comedy for a lighter change of pace
- Appeared in a new Evil Dead film, embracing a darker, contrasting role
He called the romcom “nice and cute” and said the Evil Dead project was the polar opposite. The variety shows his range and eagerness to explore different genres.
Where to stream Criminal Minds and follow developments
Criminal Minds and its Evolution installments are available to stream on Paramount+. Fans who hope for more Voit will likely track news there and via industry announcements.
Gilford’s comments suggest the door technically remains open, but logistical complexities make a revival uncertain. For now, viewers can revisit the series and watch how Voit’s arc concluded.
