NCIS: Originsexecutive producer and narrator Mark Harmon explains why his son, Sean, isn’t returning as Young Gibbs. Set to premiere on CBS in just a matter of days,NCIS: Originsis the first prequelin the history of theNCISfranchise. It follows Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early 1990s. Although Sean Harmon is involved behind the scenes in the new show, he won’t be appearing on camera. Instead,Bridge of SpiesactorAustin Stowell steps into the lead role.
Speaking withVariety, ahead ofthe premiere ofNCIS: Originson Monday, October 14, at 10 PM ET on CBS,Harmon clarified why Sean won’t be reprising his role as Young Gibbs in the prequel. Even though Harmon played Gibbs in the main series, and has been credited with coming up with the pitch forNCIS: Origins, the older Harmon clarified thathis son is focused on different things and enjoys executive producing. Read the quote below:
He’s an actor, writer, producer, a surfer, he does a lot of things. You have to come to decisions about what you want to do in life, or what you think’s important. I just think he made a choice and had to make a decision in some ways. He likes executive producing.
What Sean Harmon’s Absence Means For NCIS: Origins
It’s An Intentionally Different Gibbs
The newNCISprequelputs the spotlight on Gibbs as he’s just beginning his career as a Special Agentat NCIS' Camp Pendleton office. He intends to build up a gritty team, with the support of another legacycharacter, Mike Franks, who has been played in the main show by Muse Watson. It’s a different version of Gibbs than the one the franchise viewers will recognize, at least in terms of theNCIS: Originscast Gibbs is surrounded by. Though there are a few familiar faces, there are several more new ones, and each will develop a unique bond with the new version of Gibbs.
In one of his few major acting roles, Sean Harmon appeared in seven episodes ofNCIS, appearing in seasons 6, 7, 9, and 18. By bringing in Stowell, the high-profile prequel will honorNCIScontinuity. But it will also signal to viewers that this is a somewhat distinct version of Gibbs that won’t simply retread the ground that’s been covered in flashbacks. It invites viewers in, with one argument being that audienceswouldn’t necessarily have to follow the mainNCISto enjoy the prequel.
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In any case, even though Sean Harmon is not the lead actor, he’s very much part of the show’s creative team. Mark and Sean share executive producer credits alongside David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. The latter duo will also co-write the premiere episode and serve as showrunners, joined by those heavily involved in the mainNCIS. So, while there may be a different Gibbs at the center of the story,the same writing force and vision are present.
Who Else Is In The NCIS: Origins Cast?
It’s A Somewhat Large Supporting Ensemble
The leading cast member in theNCISprequel is Stowell, who was recently seen in the Starz dramaThree Women. But he isn’t the only legacy character to board the new spinoff, considering the inclusion of Special Agent Mike Franks. In the main series, Franks functioned as a close friend and confidant to Gibbs. Portrayed by Watson, Franks appeared in 20 episodes ofNCISfrom 2006 to 2017. But outside of Franks, who isplayed inNCIS: OriginsbyBeing Humanactor Kyle Schmid, the ensemble is introducing some faces for the very first time.
Mariel Molino, recently seen in the thriller seriesThe Watchful Eye, portrays Special Agent Lala Dominguez. She is the show’s female lead, with some suggestions thatshe could be a potential love interest for Gibbs down the line. Tyla Abercrumbie, known for playing Nina Williams on the Showtime seriesThe Chi,has the role of Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan. She’s described as a character who is in charge, though that might be a self-appointed role.The Blacklist’s Diany Rodriguez has the role of Special Agent Vera Strickland, who appeared in one episode of the mainNCISseries.
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Other actors inthe coreNCIS: Originscastinclude Daniel Bellomy as Special Agent Granville Dawson, Caleb Martin Foote, as Special Agent Benjamin Randolf, andRobert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs, Leroy’s father. They each serve different purposes in the story, with Randolf described as a golden boy. There’s also Patrick Fischler as NCIS Special Agent in Charge Cliff Walker and Julian Black Antelope as Chief Medical Examiner Kai Blackrock.
Mark Harmon
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (as narrator)
Two additions that were announced late to the prequel were Lori Petty andSNLalum Bobby Moynihan. They play a pathologist and the Director of the NIS Forensic Lab, respectively. It all adds up to a somewhat different take on Gibbs' past, which makes the change from Sean Harmon to Stowell more understandable.
Our Take On The Gibbs Recasting
It’s For The Best
Even though the reasons are only implied by Harmon, it takes a lot to be the lead of a high-profile series. That’s both in terms of the work itself and hours filming, but also things like promotional tours and being the face of the brand. All of this might have contributed to CBS and Sean Harmon wanting to go in a different direction. But it also allowsNCIS: Originsa better chance of standing on its own terms.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
