CSI: Crime Scene Investigation creator Anthony E. Zuiker said recently he'd be open to the idea of taking CSI to the big screen.

"I hope that comes true because I have some ideas about that," Zuiker was quoted in the TV supplement of the Australian Sun Herald. "I can't really verbalize them, but I think there's a way to make it work."

Zuiker was only able to wax briefly about his CSI movie dreams, as most of the interview consisted of reporter Scott Ellis grilling him about the rumored displeasure of William Petersen (Gil Grissom) with the show. "Billy is the glue in a nucleus to the whole franchise," said Zuiker, who apparently seemed uncomfortable even to consider the possibility of Petersen leaving. But when pressed, Zuiker said that "the show will go on, [and] whether we lose actors or not, the concept will move forward."

"We have been fortunate enough not to really lose too many people in five years," Zuiker continued, "so we're grateful, but [the franchise] has become bigger than all of us. The show will go on without William Petersen, but probably will not be as good."

For now, fans needn't worry, as Petersen will still return as normal for CSI's sixth season. But if the star does depart at some point in the future, the producers may already have a back-up plan in mind. Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows) seemed to confirm that her character was placed in charge of the swing shift in part to prepare her for eventually taking over the lead role. "I think perhaps somewhere in the back of their minds, but I don't know, you'll have to ask them," the actress said, before adding she'd love to be in charge. "It would be, I guess, groundbreaking to a certain degree and I would love to be the one to break that ground."

More from Zuiker and Helgenberger, as well as an analysis of this year's CSI format changes, can be found in the Television Magazine of the Sun Herald in Sydney, and The Age in Melbourne. Thanks go out to Stephen for this!

Discuss this news item at Talk CSI!
 Add CSI Files RSS feed to your news reader or My Yahoo!
Also a Desperate Housewives fan? Then visit GetDesperate.com!