The Leroy Jethro Gibbs ofNCIS: Originsmay be better than the original, thanks to one detail about the upcoming prequel spinoff. In 2024, theNCISfranchise announced that it would launch a prequel series to explore the backstory ofcentralNCIScharacterLeroy Jethro Gibbs. The series will flash back to 1991, when Gibbs was getting his start at NIS (later NCIS). It was a pivotal time for the former gunnery sergeant, coinciding withwhat happened to Gibbs' wife and daughter inNCIS. As such,NCIS: Originswill hone in on an emotional time in the character’s life.
WhileNCISrevealed Gibbs' traumatic past, the prequel series will further explore how it affected his career change. The shift in Gibbs' life at the time was inspired by his NIS partner and mentor, Mike Franks, who Muse Watson played in the original series. Kyle Schmid’s Mike Franks will join Austin Stowell’s Gibbs for the prequel series, as the character is necessary for the former Marine’s transition. TheNCIS: Originscastalso features some new faces, but Gibbs is the focal point — andthis version of him could be more interesting than Mark Harmon’s.
Austin Stowell’s Gibbs In NCIS: Origins Will Be More Emotional Than Mark Harmon’s
Gibbs Was Processing Trauma In 1991
In anEntertainment Weeklypreview of the fall 2024-2025 TV season, the outlet shared a quote from Stowell about howNCIS: Origins' Gibbs will compare to Harmon’s. Stowell confirmed that his version of the character will drastically differ from the version of Gibbs that audiences are used to seeing after Harmon’s 19 seasons onNCIS.Stowell explained that hisGibbs will be going through a painful transition, recovering from a tragedy he experienced four months before the series picks up. The prequel star said that his character is “not the guy fans are used to.”
With Stowell’s take on theNCIScharacter showing such a different side of him, he actually has an even better chance of winning audiences over.
What the Gibbs star revealed aligns with what is already known about theNCIS: Originstimeline.The series will pick up just a few months after Gibbs' wife and daughter are killedin 1991, and Stowell’s description of his character makes sense given his grief. It’ll be fascinating to seeNCIS: Originselaborate on the tragedy revealed in “Hiatus,” one of thebest episodes ofNCIS.And with Stowell’s take on theNCIScharacter showing such a different side of him, he actually has an even better chance of winning audiences over.
NCIS: Originspremieres on CBS on Monday, October 14, at 9 p.m. ET.
NCIS: Origins' Gibbs Will Be A More Sympathetic Version Of The TV Hero
Stowell Could Win Audiences With Gibbs' Soft Side
Changing Gibbs' character forNCIS: Originsmakes sense given his history, andit gives Stowell’s iteration of the character a chance to surpass the original. Harmon established a solid version of Gibbs, but he’s already capable of controlling his emotions whenNCISbegins. The fact that he’s impenetrable and cool makes him likable and fun to follow. Stowell’s Gibbs will be compelling for totally different reasons. Viewers will go through the grieving process alongside him, allowing them to connect better. Stowell seems likely to give a more emotional performance inNCIS: Origins,too, giving Gibbs even greater depth.
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.
