The cast of NCIS: ORIGINS and NCIS recently came together for an engaging panel where they shared career stories and answered fun questions, leading to a lively and entertaining conversation.
Brian Dietzen, who plays Jimmy Palmer on NCIS, reminisced about a wild driving stunt he performed on the show. He recalled having to drive with a camera mounted to the front of the car, unable to see. “I might really hit somebody,” he joked, remembering how terrified he was during the take. His onscreen fear wasn’t acting—it was real.
Austin Stowell, who portrays young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in ORIGINS, posed a question to Katrina Law, who plays Jessica Knight on NCIS: “If your character met their younger self, what advice would they give?” Law humorously responded with a warning against dating a guy named Gage, but seriously advised that it’s okay to take a pause and breathe when life gets overwhelming.
The discussion also offered a sneak peek into NCIS: ORIGINS, which will follow a young Gibbs as he begins his career with the Naval Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton. As the first prequel in the NCIS franchise, the series promises to explore the backstories of familiar characters, with plenty of surprises in store. “They don’t know as much as they think they do,” teased showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal, hinting at untold layers in Gibbs’ journey.
Gary Cole, who plays Alden Parker on NCIS, shared his experience joining the long-running show, noting the pride and love that permeates the set. He emphasized the importance of the show’s history and its deep connection with the audience, offering the ORIGINS cast advice on maintaining that legacy.
Leon Carroll, who portrays Rocky Vance, also encouraged the new cast to trust their instincts and find their own chemistry. He reminded them that they were chosen for their roles because they’re perfect for them, and that authentic chemistry is what makes the show resonate with viewers.
Sean Murray, known for his role as Timothy McGee, lightened the mood with a practical tip—practice getting those latex gloves on smoothly for crime scenes.
Diona Reasonover, who plays Kasie Hines, shared her favorite Gibbs’ rule—Rule 91: “There’s no such thing as coincidence.” She reflected on how life leads us to where we’re meant to be, expressing gratitude for being among the cast.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of NCIS: ORIGINS on October 14, 2024, they can expect a fresh take on the NCIS universe. The show will differ from its predecessors by focusing more on character development and exploring how the personal lives of investigators impact their work, especially in a time before modern forensic technology.
Although Mark Harmon won’t appear on screen, his presence will still be felt as he narrates the journey of his younger self. Harmon will also serve as an executive producer alongside his son, Sean, who previously portrayed young Gibbs. Sean expressed excitement about revealing new sides of the beloved character, continuing the legacy his father built over two decades.
