Mark Harmon Talks New Book Ghosts of Honolulu and the Possibility of a Movie Adaptation
Mark Harmon, best known for his iconic portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, has added a new accomplishment to his illustrious career: author. Teaming up with real-life NCIS Special Agent and technical advisor Leon Carroll Jr., Harmon co-wrote Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor. The book, released on November 14, explores a gripping chapter of history, telling the story of two men, Douglas Wada and Takeo Yoshikawa, tasked with gathering intelligence on the U.S. military during World War II.
During an interview with Parade, Harmon explained that his motivation for writing the book went beyond sharing a compelling historical narrative. He aimed to honor individuals like Carroll who have devoted their lives to intelligence work. The book also delves into the early history of NCIS, tracing its origins back to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), offering readers a deeper understanding of the real-life agency behind the beloved TV series.
When asked about the possibility of adapting the book into a movie or limited series, Harmon remained noncommittal. “I don’t know. I still don’t think like that. I just try to do the work at hand well, that’s it,” he said, though he acknowledged the rich potential for further stories. “Are there more stories to tell? Absolutely. Would we do that if the opportunity came forward? Quite possibly.”
Harmon emphasized that the story told in Ghosts of Honolulu represents the foundation of what would eventually become NCIS. The agency’s transformation and the people behind its evolution offer plenty of material for a screen adaptation.
Given Harmon’s association with NCIS and the show’s enduring popularity, a film or series based on Ghosts of Honolulu could resonate with fans eager to explore the agency’s real-life origins. While Harmon may not be rushing into such a project, CBS certainly has the ingredients for another hit should they decide to bring this story to life.
