CBS is gearing up for the highly anticipated premiere of its new prequel series, NCIS: Origins, set to bring fans back to 1991, where they’ll follow the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, then just a newly minted Special Agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office.
Fans have long been intrigued by the backstory of Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell for the series, and the series has promised to deliver a fresh take on his formative years. “They don’t know as much as they think they do,” said David J. North, co-showrunner of the series alongside Gina Lucita Monreal, hinting at new insights about Gibbs’ character development.
According to exclusive reports from TVLine, the series will showcase Gibbs forging his place on the team led by the legendary Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. Unlike the glimpses fans have seen through flashbacks over the years, NCIS: Origins aims to detail the seldom-seen dynamic between 'probie' Gibbs and Franks, showcasing Gibbs’ perspective as he steps fresh out of the Marines and navigates the challenges of his new role with awe.
The series will also introduce several new characters, adding depth and diversity to the cast. Among them is Mariel Molino, portraying Special Agent Lala Dominguez, described as possessing “a dark sense of humor” and having electrifying chemistry with Gibbs. Other characters include Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland and Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Hayes, who has dubbed herself “HSIC” — Head Secretary in Charge.
Interestingly, Mark Harmon, the iconic actor who played Gibbs throughout the original NCIS series until early Season 19, will not be acting as Gibbs but will serve as the series narrator and executive producer, alongside his son Sean Harmon, who previously played Young Gibbs. Sean will not reprise his role but will contribute to the production team as an EP.
The search is reportedly on for the right actor to take on the pivotal role of young Gibbs, with the ideal candidate being someone in their thirties, preferably with blue eyes, like Harmon. TVLine has even speculated on potential actors to fill the role, listing eleven candidates they believe could embody the young agent.
Among the candidates, Robbie Amell stands out for his performances on shows like Upload and The Flash. Matt Barr, known for his roles on Walker and Blood & Treasure, is another frontrunner with the necessary charisma. Ryan Hansen offers a comedic twist to the possibilities, whereas others like Chris Pine and Ian Somerhalder present intriguing options due to their respective acting backgrounds.
No matter who is eventually cast, the prequel promises to explore themes of mentorship and growth, as seen through the lens of young Gibbs. The producers' emphasis on character dynamics suggests viewers could expect surprising revelations about both Gibbs and Franks' early relationship.
With whispers of nostalgia combined with fresh storylines, NCIS: Origins aims not only to satisfy die-hard fans of the franchise but also to introduce new audience members to the captivating universe of NCIS.
Set against the backdrop of the gritty and expansive early nineties, the series aims to capture the era's spirit and the tumultuous world of military and investigative work. Viewers are sure to tune in for what promises to be both old and new territory.
So as fans eagerly count down to the double-episode premiere, excitement grows for the chance to see Gibbs' origins and the makings of these iconic characters, shaped long before the familiar faces of the original series took center stage.
Join us as we look forward to exploring everything NCIS: Origins has to offer when it debuts later this season.