After the successful pilot episode of Scott Speedman’s upcoming crime/action series, RJ Decker, the production has seen a recast of Weruche Opia’s role for the pilot, which is now set to be played by Jaina Lee Ortiz (via Deadline). Ortiz will be playing the role of Emi Ochoa, who will have a history with Speedman’s titular protagonist.
And for many, they might find the 38-year-old actress somewhat familiar, thanks to her career in television in the past few years. Therefore, here’s all that you need to know about Jaina Lee Ortiz.
Where Have We Seen Jaina Lee Ortiz Before?
Born in 1986 in California, Jaina Lee Ortiz began her acting career at Maggie Flanigan Studios and learned her chops there for about two years. Her breakthrough role on the silver screen arrived when she played the role of Detective Annalise Villa in Fox’s drama series, Rosewood, from 2015 to 2017 (via Deadline).
And later, Ortiz found herself in the leading role as Andrea Herrera, another ABC drama series, Station 19, which was a spin-off series of the iconic medical/drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Ortiz also made her first cameo appearance in the series as her Station 19 character in the Season 14 episode, titled ‘You Really Got a Hold on Me.’
Here are the top 5 roles that Jaina Lee Ortiz has played in her career.
Most recently, she was seen playing the role of Lucy Peña in 2023’s historical sports drama film, The Long Game, alongside stars like Dennis Quaid and Jay Hernandez. And now, she is set to be part of the upcoming ABC series with Speedman in the lead.
RJ Decker: Release Date and Streaming Details, Explained
While the pilot may have been shot and aired, RJ Decker is still a working title, which is subject to change when it’s finally released. As for the release date, it’s being claimed for a mid-season release, which can mean either in the last month of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026 (via Variety).
The show will be released first on the ABC Network, and subsequently, as per their streaming rights deal with Disney, it will be available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney+ for international audiences. So far, along with Speedman and Ortiz, stars like Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, and Bevin Bru are confirmed as cast members.
Are you excited for the upcoming RJ Decker series? Tell us in the comments below.
