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7 Shocking New Paths Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid) Is Taking In 2025-2026

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The actor who brought the brilliant, quirky, and beloved Dr. Spencer Reid to life on *Criminal Minds*—Matthew Gray Gubler—is currently navigating a fascinating new chapter in his career as of late 2025. After dedicating 15 years to the role that made him a household name, Gubler has fully embraced his multifaceted identity as a director, bestselling author, and visual artist, though a highly anticipated return to network television has hit a snag, pushing his next major role well into the future. Fans are eager for his next move, and the latest updates reveal a creator who is continuously challenging expectations and expanding his artistic empire beyond the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The biggest news for the actor is the status of his next major procedural drama, a project that signals a return to CBS but with a completely different kind of genius.

Matthew Gray Gubler: The Man Behind Dr. Spencer Reid

Matthew Gray Gubler is an American actor, director, writer, illustrator, painter, and former fashion model, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Spencer Reid on the long-running CBS series *Criminal Minds*.

  • Full Name: Matthew Gray Gubler
  • Born: March 9, 1980
  • Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
  • Education: Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU)
  • Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
  • Notable Roles: Dr. Spencer Reid (*Criminal Minds*), Simon (*Alvin and the Chipmunks* film series), Paul (*500 Days of Summer*).
  • Career Highlights: Directed 12 episodes of *Criminal Minds*, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Emmy Award-winning actor.
  • Current Status: Focusing on writing, directing, art, and the development of his new series *Einstein*.

The Status of His New CBS Series: *Einstein* Delayed to 2026-2027

In a move that thrilled fans but has since caused some suspense, Matthew Gray Gubler was set to make his major return to network television in a new CBS crime procedural titled *Einstein*. The series, which received a full series order, casts Gubler in the lead role of a brilliant, non-traditional investigator—a character that shares some intellectual DNA with Dr. Reid but promises a fresh, comedic, and quirky take on the procedural format.

The Big Delay: Originally slated for the 2025-2026 television season, the premiere of *Einstein* has been officially pushed back to the 2026-2027 schedule. This significant delay is reportedly due to limited space in the network’s current programming lineup, forcing CBS to hold the highly anticipated series.

In *Einstein*, Gubler is set to play the character of Leo Einstein, a descendant of the legendary physicist Albert Einstein. Leo is a genius who is forced to partner with a seasoned detective to solve complex cases, leveraging his unique intellectual gifts and eccentric personality. While the delay is frustrating for those who miss seeing the actor on screen, it confirms that the project is still very much alive and a key part of his future acting career.

This project is particularly intriguing because it marks Gubler’s first major TV role since leaving the *Criminal Minds* universe, including opting not to return for the *Criminal Minds: Evolution* revival series, making his next on-screen appearance one of the most anticipated events in the crime drama genre.

Beyond the BAU: Matthew Gray Gubler’s Thriving Creative Empire

What many fans of Dr. Spencer Reid may not realize is that the actor is a genuine polymath, much like his famous character. Gubler has cultivated a successful career in multiple artistic fields, cementing his status as a creative force beyond acting.

1. Bestselling Author & Illustrator: The Success of *Rumple Buttercup*

Perhaps Gubler’s most surprising and successful venture outside of acting is his career as a children’s book author and illustrator. His debut book, *Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself*, became a #1 *New York Times* bestseller.

The book tells the charming and inspiring story of an eccentric creature named Rumple Buttercup who hides from the world because he worries what others will think of his appearance, specifically the five pieces of corn stuck to his toes. The narrative is a heartfelt message about self-acceptance and finding belonging, resonating with both children and adults. Gubler wrote and illustrated the entire book, showcasing his unique artistic style.

2. Acclaimed Director of *Criminal Minds*

During his 15-year tenure on *Criminal Minds*, Gubler wasn't confined to acting; he stepped behind the camera to direct 12 episodes of the series. His directorial style was often noted for its distinct, darker, and more cinematic approach compared to the show's standard episodes. He directed some of the most memorable and unsettling episodes, demonstrating a clear talent for filmmaking that he continues to pursue.

3. Visual Artist and Painter

Gubler is an established visual artist and painter whose work has been exhibited in galleries. His paintings often feature a whimsical, surreal, and sometimes macabre style, reflecting his unique personality. His art career began before his acting fame, having studied filmmaking at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He frequently shares his illustrations and doodles with fans, maintaining a strong connection to the visual arts.

4. Filmmaking and His Early Career

Before his breakout role, Matthew Gray Gubler interned for the renowned director Wes Anderson, which led to his first major film role in *The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou*. This early exposure to directing and quirky, independent filmmaking has clearly influenced his own creative output and aesthetic.

5. The Return to Procedural Drama (Eventually)

The commitment to *Einstein* shows that while he is passionate about his independent creative work, Gubler is not entirely done with the procedural format. His role as Leo Einstein is a deliberate choice to return to a familiar genre but with a character that allows him to explore his comedic and eccentric side, a departure from the often-traumatized Dr. Reid.

6. The Unofficial *Criminal Minds* Reunion Question

Despite his new projects, the question of his return to the *Criminal Minds: Evolution* revival series remains a major topic among fans. While he did not appear in the first two seasons of the revival, the door has been left open by showrunners, and his absence is a constant point of discussion. The actor has stated his desire to explore new roles, but the legacy of Dr. Spencer Reid is a powerful entity that may one day draw him back for a guest appearance.

7. A Private Life in the Public Eye

Despite his public career, Gubler maintains a relatively private personal life, though he occasionally makes news for his relationships. In recent years, he has been linked to model and musician Willow Avalon, with the couple fueling media speculation with public appearances and social media posts. His personal life, much like his career, is characterized by a charming blend of the eccentric and the endearing, maintaining the mysterious allure that fans have come to love about the man who played one of television’s most enduring geniuses. His continued success across so many different mediums proves that the intelligence and creativity he embodied as Dr. Reid are very much a part of his real-life persona.

spencer reid actor
spencer reid actor

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