ICYMI: Zeeko Zaki’s FBI Audition Was So Strong, Dick Wolf Changed OA’s Background

One of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from FBI involves how Zeeko Zaki landed the role of Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan. His audition made such a strong impression that the creative team decided to rethink the character’s background before the series premiered.

Originally, OA had been envisioned as a Latino character during the early stages of development. However, after seeing Zaki’s audition, executive producer Dick Wolf and the production team believed he was the perfect fit for the role. Rather than searching for another actor who matched the original description, they chose to adapt the character to fit Zaki.

The result was the creation of Omar Adom “OA” Zidan as an Arab American FBI special agent, allowing Zaki to bring his own perspective and authenticity to the role. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, Zaki has spoken in interviews about how meaningful it was to portray a complex Arab American law enforcement officer on network television.

That creative decision helped distinguish OA from many previous television characters. Instead of relying on stereotypes, the series presented him as a highly skilled investigator, military veteran, loyal partner, and dedicated public servant whose cultural background was one aspect of his identity rather than its defining feature.

Over the course of the series, OA became one of FBI‘s most popular characters. His partnership with Maggie Bell, portrayed by Missy Peregrym, has remained one of the show’s central relationships, earning praise from viewers for its mutual trust, professionalism, and emotional depth.

Zaki has also reflected on the importance of representation, noting that portraying an Arab American FBI agent gave audiences an opportunity to see a different kind of hero on primetime television. Many fans and critics have praised the series for allowing OA to be a fully developed character whose storylines extend far beyond his cultural heritage.

Looking back, the casting decision demonstrates how an exceptional audition can influence a television series in unexpected ways. Rather than asking the actor to fit the original character description, the producers reshaped the character to fit the actor they believed was best suited for the role.

Years later, that decision continues to be viewed as one of the defining casting choices behind FBI‘s success, helping establish OA Zidan as a fan favorite and giving Zeeko Zaki the breakout role that has defined much of his television career.