A new look has been revealed for the upcoming television series NCIS: Origins. Serving as a prequel to NCIS, the show will follow younger versions of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Muse Watson’s Mike Franks.
In the prequel series, Austin Stowell will play Gibbs while Kyle Schmid co-stars as Franks. Each of the characters is featured in a first look photo published by TVLine. In one photo, Stowell’s Gibbs can be featured on the job as a new agent at t he NIS Camp Pendlleton office. The other image showcases Schmid’s Franks relaxing in the office with his feet up on his desk. Both photos can be seen below.
“They don’t know as much as they think they do,” series co-showrunner David J. North teased about how the series will surprise fans with what they learn anbout Gibbs’ backstory. “Seeing Gibbs arrive at NIS on Day 1, and seeing how Gibbs became Gibbs…? You will realize there’s so much to explore.”
Further hinting at the dynamic between the young Gibbs and Franks, he added, “We’ve not seen that dynamic between ‘probie’ Gibbs and Mike Franks. [Coming in] so fresh out of the Marines, it gives Gibbs a different kind of shading than we’ve seen before as a character. The way he looks at Franks, you can see that bit of awe in his eyes.”
There will be other characters who previously appeared in NCIS that will be featured in NCIS: Origins. One of the prequel’s main characters, Special Agent Vera Strickland, was previously portrayed by Roma Maffia in a Season 11 episode of NCIS. In the new series, Diany Rodriguez (The Blacklist) plays the younger version of the character. The Origins version of Vera is described as a “no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite who’s tough as nails.”
Other cast members for the ensemble include Marial Molino (Promised Land) as a love interest for Gibbs, Special Agent Lala Dominguez; Tyla Abercrumbie (The Chi) as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Hayes, the self-proclaimed “Head Secretary in Charge” (or “HCIS” for short); and Caleb Foote (Made for Love) as Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf, the “golden boy” who will be training Gibbs upon the new recruit joining the agency.
Mark Harmon Is Still Playing Gibbs in a Way for NCIS: Origins
Mark Harmon, who executive produces the series alongside son Sean Harmon, will also be reprising his role as Gibbs. However, it will only be with his voice. Harmon is serving as the narrator for the series, voicing the older Gibbs inn that role. The younger Harmon also has a connection to the Gibbs character, having played the role himself in NCIS flashback sequences.
NCIS: Origins will premiere on Monday, Oct. 14 on CBS.