With just 10 weeks until the premiere of CBS’s NCIS: Origins, TVLine has an exclusive first look at two pivotal characters from the prequel spinoff: “probie” Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Special Agent Mike Franks.
Set in 1991, NCIS: Origins will introduce a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, navigating his early days at the NIS Camp Pendleton office. He’s mentored by the seasoned Mike Franks, portrayed by Kyle Schmid. While NCIS fans are familiar with Gibbs through flashbacks, co-showrunner David J. North promises there’s much more to uncover about his early career. “Seeing Gibbs start at NIS and how he became the Gibbs we know will reveal new layers to his character,” North teases.
This series will explore the dynamic between “probie” Gibbs and Franks, a relationship not fully examined in previous NCIS episodes. “You’ll see a different side of Gibbs, one full of admiration and awe for Franks,” adds North.
The cast of NCIS: Origins also includes Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, a sharp-witted former Marine; Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland, a tough Brooklynite; Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Hayes, the “HSIC” or Head Secretary in Charge; and Caleb Martin Foote as Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf, the lovable rookie showing Gibbs the ropes.
Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs in the original series, will not appear on screen but will narrate and executive produce the show. Sean Harmon, who portrayed Young Gibbs in flashbacks and conceived the prequel idea, will also serve as an executive producer.