NCIS: Origins’ New Gibbs Will Shock Fans—Here’s How Mark Harmon Made Sure He’s Unlike Any Gibbs Before!

NCIS: Origins Takes a New Direction, Thanks to Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon, who famously portrayed the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS, is playing a key role behind the scenes in shaping the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins. This new series will dive into Gibbs’ backstory, exploring how he became the legendary Special Agent-in-Charge. However, rather than reprising the role himself, Harmon has passed the torch to Austin Stowell, who will create a fresh interpretation of Gibbs as the character begins his career at NIS, stationed at California’s Camp Pendleton.

Although Harmon left NCIS in Season 19, his connection to the franchise remains strong. He continues to work as an executive producer for the flagship series and will do the same for NCIS: Origins, alongside his son, Sean Harmon. With such influence, Harmon has had significant input into how the prequel takes shape but has chosen to give Stowell the freedom to craft his own version of Gibbs.

Mark Harmon’s Guidance for Austin Stowell: A New Gibbs Emerges

In an August 2024 interview with TV Insider, Stowell shared the simple yet profound advice Harmon gave him for taking on the role of young Gibbs: “Trust yourself.” Rather than imposing his own portrayal on Stowell, Harmon encouraged him to find his own way into the character. This gesture reflects Harmon’s confidence in Stowell and his understanding that the young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins will naturally be different from the seasoned leader audiences grew to know and love.

Stowell is well aware of the legacy he is stepping into, acknowledging in the interview, “Mark Harmon has done a job that actors dream to do,” in how he embodied the character of Gibbs. However, he also understands that this new series offers an opportunity to portray Gibbs at an earlier stage of life, before the tragic events that shaped his future. “This is not the Gibbs leader that the world knows now,” Stowell said, suggesting that he will bring a fresh and authentic take on the character.

Why a Different Gibbs Is Good for NCIS: Origins

Stowell’s approach to playing a younger, less experienced Gibbs is a smart move for the prequel series. While he has clearly done his homework on Harmon’s portrayal, Stowell recognizes that the Gibbs of NCIS: Origins is still evolving. Set years before the events of NCIS, this version of Gibbs will reveal the early experiences that shaped the hardened leader seen in the flagship series.

The show will also explore the personal tragedy that affected Gibbs’ future, delving into the family loss that has been referenced in NCIS. Stowell’s ability to capture the complexity of a younger Gibbs, still dealing with the trauma that will define him, promises to make NCIS: Origins a compelling watch.

Fans can tune in to see this new chapter of the NCIS universe when NCIS: Origins premieres on CBS on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 9 PM Eastern.