Did NCIS’ Creators Consider Numerous A-list Actors, Including Alec Baldwin, to Play Gibbs? Get the Updated News!

NCIS, one of television’s enduring classics, has seen Mark Harmon take on the iconic role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, securing his place in the hearts of fans worldwide. However, before Mark Harmon became synonymous with Gibbs, the creators of NCIS explored the idea of other A-list actors playing this pivotal character. Let’s take a look at the A-listers who were considered for the role.

The casting process for NCIS was not a straightforward one, and several renowned actors were contemplated for the role. According to Charles Floyd Johnson, the executive producer, one name that emerged was Harrison Ford, a Hollywood heavyweight known for his remarkable acting. Despite the buzz around Ford, the discussions didn’t progress beyond the initial stage.

Peter Golden, the former head of CBS casting, noted that actors of Ford’s stature rarely ventured into television during that time. However, in the early casting deliberations, no name was deemed off-limits. Casting director Susan Blain explained that although she couldn’t recall Harrison Ford’s name specifically, other prominent celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Kevin Bacon, Tom Banger, Val Kilmer, Charlie Sheen, Aidan Quinn, Andrew McCarthy, and Patrick Swayze were considered for the role.

Another actor, Scott Glenn, was also strongly contemplated for the character of Ducky, which is now famously portrayed by David McCallum. Glenn, however, declined the role. Susan Blain shared the challenges faced during the casting process, emphasizing that casting Mark Harmon as John Dillinger in a TV movie in 1991 significantly influenced the decision to bring him on board for NCIS. She had always believed that Mark Harmon possessed the gravitas required for the role.

While Mark Harmon ultimately secured the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, there was intense competition and deliberation before his selection. His prior experience on shows like “The West Wing” and “JAG” likely contributed to his casting. In 2003, after featuring in “The West Wing,” producer Donald P. Bellisario brought Harmon into “JAG” as Gibbs. The same year, he joined “NCIS,” and five years later, Harmon became not only the star but also a producer and executive producer of the show.

As NCIS continues into its 21st season, many fans wonder if Mark Harmon’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, will make an appearance. While it is unclear if he will return in Season 21, executive producer Steven D. Binder mentioned that there’s room for Gibbs to rejoin the team if the right story arises. The decision to bring back such an iconic character is not one to be taken lightly.

Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs has left an indelible mark on the series, and any return should serve as a significant narrative development. The character’s reappearance could be a powerful card to play in the series, and the creators are committed to ensuring that it’s played meaningfully.

While it’s uncertain whether Mark Harmon’s Gibbs will return to NCIS, fans remain eager to see if and when he’ll make a comeback.

Michael Weatherly, who played Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on the show, had left NCIS after 13 seasons. His subsequent work on “Bull” revealed his enduring popularity, and he continued to maintain a working relationship with CBS.

In recent years, Weatherly faced a significant controversy involving allegations from his former “Bull” co-star, Eliza Dushku. She accused him of making multiple inappropriate comments on set, and she claimed that CBS fired her in retaliation for her confronting Weatherly about his behavior. Ultimately, a settlement was reached between Dushku and CBS. Weatherly has not officially announced any new TV or film roles since the conclusion of “Bull” in May 2022.

As for the return of Michael Weatherly’s character, Anthony DiNozzo, in Season 21, it’s a subject of great speculation. Given the passing of series star David McCallum, fans have contemplated the ways in which his character, Donald “Ducky” Mallard, will be honored and remembered in the upcoming season. Suggestions have arisen that veterans from the show’s past, like Anthony DiNozzo and Leroy Jethro Gibbs, could return to pay their respects.

Weatherly’s silence on the matter has only fueled fans’ hopes and questions about his potential return. It would be a welcome sight to see Anthony DiNozzo once again, but given the significant time that has passed since his departure, the window for his return may have closed. Nonetheless, fans eagerly await further news and developments.

As the show moves forward, the legacy of beloved characters like Anthony DiNozzo and Leroy Jethro Gibbs continues to captivate fans.