David Boreanaz has seamlessly transitioned from his role as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth on FOX’s Bones to leading CBS’s SEAL Team as Navy SEAL Jason Hayes. The shift from playing a former Army Ranger to a dedicated SEAL has offered Boreanaz a new set of challenges and opportunities to delve into.
The actor acknowledges the stark differences between his previous role and his current one. “There’s a pretty big difference,” Boreanaz stated. While both characters have military backgrounds, Jason Hayes grapples with significant personal flaws and challenges, unlike Seeley Booth, who was more straightforward in his demeanor and approach.
This complexity adds depth to Hayes, as he navigates both high-stakes missions and personal struggles.
In the premiere episode, “Tip of the Spear,” viewers are introduced to Hayes and his elite team as they undertake dangerous missions that test their skills and resolve. The series not only showcases their professional prowess but also explores the personal sacrifices and challenges faced by these elite soldiers. Boreanaz was drawn to the series by its portrayal of the intense realities of military life, including the struggles that arise once these heroes return home.
During a SEAL Team press day, Boreanaz shared insights into his transition from Bones to SEAL Team.
Despite wrapping up a long-running series, he expressed a strong desire to continue working, driven by a passion for his craft. “I just like to work. I love working,” he explained. The opportunity to portray a character with such depth and complexity, combined with the chance to work with real SEALs and gain authentic insights, was a significant draw for him.
Boreanaz’s character, Jason Hayes, is depicted in psychotherapy during the pilot episode, exhibiting a combative attitude. This portrayal is reflective of his internal struggles and the fallout from his intense career.
“He’s someone who has performed many missions and, as a team leader, has responsibility and loyalty to his team. But also, things fell apart in his personal life,” Boreanaz revealed. This layered characterization allows viewers to see Hayes as more than just a soldier; he’s a man dealing with profound personal issues.
The actor emphasizes the meticulous nature of SEALs and their ability to manage chaos in their professional lives, which contrasts sharply with their difficulties in mundane situations. Boreanaz found it fascinating to interact with SEALs and understand their experiences and thought processes.
“They are wired differently,” he noted. The SEALs’ perfectionism and drive to avoid failure deeply impacted Boreanaz’s approach to the role.
Transitioning to a new character after years on Bones was a refreshing experience for Boreanaz. He describes the change as a “complete 360-degree rotation,” highlighting the excitement of diving into a new role with distinct challenges. “When you bring content to a new character, you have to talk to everyone. You have to adapt to what you want to bring to it,” he said. Boreanaz sees this opportunity as a chance to explore new facets of his craft and create something unique.
Looking ahead, Boreanaz is open to further exploring the lives of military families and veterans if the show continues to be successful. He acknowledges the difficulty and depth of their experiences and expresses a willingness to engage more deeply with their stories.
Overall, David Boreanaz’s shift from Bones to SEAL Team illustrates a significant evolution in his career. The role of Jason Hayes allows him to explore complex themes and showcase his versatility as an actor, all while honoring the real-life experiences of Navy SEALs.
