If you watched NCIS during Michael Weatherly’s time as Tony DiNozzo, you’ll recall his character’s frequent movie references—a quirky trait that became a hallmark of his persona. Interestingly, when rewatching the very first episode of NCIS, you’ll notice that it was actually Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs who made the first movie reference during a high-profile investigation, setting the stage for what would later become Tony’s signature habit.
Over 20 years later, Weatherly shared his thoughts on why those movie references shifted from Gibbs to Tony and how he chose to approach his character differently from Harmon. Reflecting on the pilot episode “Yankee White,” Weatherly noted that Gibbs initially made a reference to Harrison Ford’s role in Air Force One. However, as the series progressed, it became clear that Gibbs, much like Harmon in real life, wasn’t one for “throwaway humor” or pop culture references. Instead, Gibbs was portrayed as a serious, focused leader—traits that Weatherly believes were drawn from Harmon’s own formidable personality. Consequently, the writers transitioned the movie references to Tony, whose more playful and cinephile character made these quips feel natural.
In developing Tony’s character, Weatherly decided to take an “opposite” approach in scenes with Harmon. For example, if Gibbs wore a jacket, Tony would take his off; if Gibbs leaned forward, Tony would lean back. This deliberate contrast between the characters fueled their dynamic and contributed to the show’s humor, especially during moments when Gibbs would famously slap Tony on the head—a comedic element that became iconic.
Weatherly’s departure from NCIS after Season 13 marked the end of Tony’s regular appearances, although he made a surprise return in Season 21. Now, both Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are filming the new spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, for Paramount+.
As for what’s next in the NCIS universe, Season 22 and the Gibbs-centered prequel NCIS: Origins are set to premiere on CBS on October 14, 2024. Meanwhile, NCIS: Sydney is gearing up for its second season, though like NCIS: Tony & Ziva, its release date has yet to be announced.
