Dick Wolf Talks Chicago Fire Renewal Hopes and Possible Spin-Off: "I'm Always Optimistic"

Casting is already underway on the as-yet-unnamed Chicago Firespin-off, but the series' executive producer Dick Wolf is staying mum on the possible project for now.

"There is always talk about every possible permutation of what could happen," Wolf told reporters at NBC's Summer press day on Monday. "I'm always optimistic."

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Reports of a possible spin-off first started in late March, with the new project said to be focused on the Windy City's police department. Tania Raymonde and Scott Eastwood have already been cast and the backdoor pilot will reportedly air as part of Chicago Fire's Season 1 finale. Wolf would only say that "there have been discussions about every aspect of the show on a very productive level," but he voiced his gratitude to NBC for its support of his latest show, which has quietly become a winner for NBC.

"I can't really say enough about the network's support," he said. "Hopefully this show is growing and hopefully its coming back and hopefully it will be doing better next year. But I think this has been an incredibly positive experience for everybody involved with this show."

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Although NBC has yet to officially renew Chicago Fire for a second season, Wolf was, again, cautiously upbeat. "We are optimistically looking at the end of this season as a jumping off point for next season," Wolf said. "Hopefully, a month from now, we'll have all the arcs of the second season planned out."

As for the end of Season 1, Wolf teased the return of both Casey's estranged wife Hallie (Teri Reeves) and Det. Voight (Jason Beghe), who "is coming back with a vengeance, quite literally," Wolf said. "Relationships that may have seemed to be finished will not be finished."

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC. Would you watch a spin-off?