Mark Harmon is officially returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs—but not on NCIS. According to co-showrunner David J. North, Harmon will appear in new footage for the premiere episode of NCIS: Origins, the highly anticipated prequel series exploring Gibbs’ early days.
Per Deadline, North revealed that new scenes featuring Harmon were shot specifically for the prequel, which debuts on CBS on October 14. “That was a discussion between Mark, myself, and Gina Monreal,” North explained, adding that they hope fans will be excited to see Gibbs again after over three years. Harmon’s last appearance was in the NCIS Season 19 episode “Great Wide Open,” which aired on October 11, 2021.
In addition to his cameo, Harmon will narrate each episode as the older Gibbs and serve as an executive producer. As for future appearances, North hinted, “We’re focusing on him telling the story of 1991, but we’re open to anything.”
NCIS: Origins will center on Gibbs’ early career as a new special agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton office, working under NCIS legend Mike Franks. Austin Stowell will portray young Gibbs, a role Stephen Amell, known for Arrow, recently revealed he auditioned for before landing the lead role in Suits: L.A.. Amell shared that he felt his audition for Gibbs went well but was unexpectedly passed over for the part.
