NCIS: Origins executive 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: Origins is the first prequel in the history of the NCIS franchise. 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 Spies actor Austin Stowell steps into the lead role.
Speaking with Variety, ahead of the premiere of NCIS: Origins on 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 for NCIS: Origins, the older Harmon clarified that his 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 Close
The new NCIS prequel puts the spotlight on Gibbs as he's just beginning his career as a Special Agent at NCIS' Camp Pendleton office. He intends to build up a gritty team, with the support of another legacy character, 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 the NCIS: Origins cast Gibbs is surrounded by. Though there are a few familiar faces, there are several more new ones.
NCIS: Origins: Cast & Characters
Actor
Who They're Playing
Notes
Austin Stowell
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs
The main protagonist of the prequel.
Mariel Molino
Special Agent Lala Dominguez
The female lead and potential love interest for Gibbs.
Kyle Schmid
Special Agent Mike Franks
Leader of the team.
Tyla Abercrumbie
Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan
Self-described "Head Secretary in Charge."
Diany Rodriguez
Special Agent Vera Strickland
Franks' partner in the original NCIS.
Daniel Bellomy
Special Agent Granville "Granny" Dawson
A young probationary agent.
Caleb Martin Foote
Special Agent Benjamin "Randy" Randolf
The agency's lovable golden boy.
Robert Taylor
Jackson Gibbs
Gibbs' father.
Patrick Fischler
NCIS Special Agent in Charge Cliff Walker
Walker oversees the fledgling NIS Pendleton Office.
Julian Black Antelope
Chief Medical Examiner Kai Blackrock
Blackrock works at the San Diego County M.E.'s Office.
Lori Petty
Dr. Lenora Friedman
A pathologist at the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office.
Bobby Moynihan
Woodrow "Woody" Browne
Director of the NIS Forensic Lab.
Mark Harmon
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (as narrator)
Also executive producer.
In one of his few major acting roles, Sean Harmon appeared in seven episodes of NCIS, appearing in seasons 6, 7, 9, and 18. By bringing in Stowell, the high-profile prequel will honor NCIS continuity. 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 audiences wouldn't necessarily have to follow the main NCIS to enjoy the prequel.
Related New NCIS Prequel Show's Young Gibbs Casting Is Even More Exciting After This 2-Year-Old Crime Drama's Success
NCIS: Origins recently cast its new Jethro Gibbs, and this casting is all the more exciting considering the actor's previous action show success.
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 main NCIS. So, while there may be a different Gibbs at the center of the story, the same writing force and vision are present.
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. 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 allows NCIS: Origins a better chance of standing on its own terms.
NCIS: Origins (2024) Crime
A young Gibbs embarks on his journey as a Naval Investigative Service agent in the early 1990s. Set against the backdrop of Camp Pendleton, the series explores Gibbs' formative years, the cases that shaped him, and the mentors who guided his path, including Mike Franks.
Cast Mark Harmon , Austin Stowell , Robert Taylor , Patrick Fischler , Kyle Schmid , Diany Rodriguez , Tyla Abercrumbie , Mariel Molino Character(s) Narrator , Leroy Jethro Gibbs , Jackson Gibbs , Cliff Walker , NIS Special Agent Mike Franks , NIS Special Agent Vera Strickland , Mary Jo Sullivan , NIS Special Agent Lourdes Dominguez Release Date October 14, 2024 Seasons 1 Main Genre Crime
